Device configured for functional diagnosis and updates

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods for reconfigurable and/or updatable lightweight embedded devices or systems are disclosed. Via use of such a device, system, or method, various capabilities for a user are provided, simplified, secured, and/or made more convenient. The system may interact with various other devices or systems, including those that are cloud-based or communicate through the cloud, and may utilize various local sensors, in order to provide one or more of improved access, monitoring, diagnostics, and so forth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/188,740 filed on Jun. 21, 2016 and titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORPRODUCT ORDERING AND PAYMENT”. U.S. application Ser. No. 15/188,740 is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/174,632 filed on Jun. 6,2016 and titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCT ORDERING AND PAYMENT”.U.S. application Ser. No. 15/174,632 claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/171,944 entitled “SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTORDERING AND PAYMENT” filed on Jun. 5, 2015. This application alsoclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/213,513entitled “SCHEDULING SECURITY AND MEDICAL DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS”filed on Sep. 2, 2015, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/264,179 entitled “SCHEDULING SECURITY AND MEDICAL DEVICES,SYSTEMS AND METHODS II” filed on Dec. 7, 2015. The entire contents ofall the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic devices. Moreparticularly, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate toreconfigurable and/or reprogrammable electronic devices, includingwearable devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Many consumers enjoy buying products and services from variousmerchants, such as restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, wholesalers,manufacturers and other vendors. As used herein, a “consumer” is anyperson or entity that purchases or otherwise acquires goods or services.A “merchant” or “establishment” is any entity that sells or otherwiseprovides goods and services. When ordering some items, consumers mayarrive at the establishment, select their item or wait to place an orderfor the item, pay for the item, and then (sometimes) wait to receive theitem(s) ordered. Each step in this process is time-consuming and maydiminish the experience associated with purchasing the item.

In some cases, consumers order items by telephone or on-line and pay forthe item at the establishment or when the item is delivered. In anon-line purchase, a consumer typically goes to a merchant's website,reviews the items that can be purchased, and then places an order. Fortelephone purchases, the consumer calls and places an order. Theconsumer then pays for the item over the telephone via credit card orwhen the item is delivered. These steps can be undesirably timeconsuming. Additionally, the establishment may produce an order andnever receive payment, or payment may be made and the order notreceived, or not received on time.

Additionally, payment over the internet, by telephone, or at a point ofsale terminal at a merchant's location typically requires disclosingconfidential information such as the payment card number, owner's name,CVV number, card expiration date, and often the card billing address.The information needed to authenticate a charge makes future fraudulentcharges possible. As used herein, “payment card” or “card” means acredit card, debit card, or the like.

Devices for monitoring one or more of a user's (1) health, (2) vitalsigns such as heart rate, blood pressure, or blood oxygen level, (3)daily routine, (4) location, and (5) life activities, are limited insome respects. Especially for wearable devices, the device may berelatively large and bulky, unattractive, and have limitedfunctionality.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems andmethods for purchasing one or more items using a user device (alsocalled a “device” herein), which can be a mobile cellular device, suchas a cell phone, tablet, personal computer, or the like. A user softwareapplication (also called a “user application” or “application” herein)may be loaded on the device or accessible at a remote location by thedevice. The user application has, or has access to, a memory or databasethat stores two or more of the date an item(s) was purchased, item(s)purchased or ordered, merchant, merchant location, price paid, currentprice, other items offered by the merchant, delivery time for the item,time of day, month and/or year prior orders were placed, healthinformation of the user, and information related to an item of food,such as calories, fat content, sugar content, carbohydrate content,whether or not gluten free, and/or other information.

When accessed by the user, the application can determine itemspreviously purchased from one or more merchants, and display merchant(s)and most-frequently, or most recently purchased, items to a user, plusother items offered for sale by the merchant(s). The merchants can beselected as desired, for example from a group of previously-usedmerchants, from a group of nearby merchants—i.e., merchants that arewithin a determined distance from the user device, or a group ofmerchants that belong to a program. The device may display other itemsthat the merchant may be attempting to sell, such as discounted items orholiday specialty items.

Exemplary systems and methods can also be used to easily and/orautomatically purchase items. The purchase can be made without the needfor a user to order and/or pay at the merchant location.

The user device enables a user to select one or more items to purchaseand can facilitate payment to the merchant. The payment can be direct,such as by passing credit card or other payment information to themerchant through a computer or point of sale device. Or, the payment canbe indirect through an intermediate system to avoid exposing the user'spersonal information to the merchant.

By way of example, an exemplary system includes the user device, amerchant payment device, and a payment issuer. As used herein, a paymentissuer is a source of funds, such as a bank, associated with the user'scard (e.g., a debit card, credit card, or the like) or bank account. Thepayment issuer can communicate with the user device and/or the userapplication. After an order has been placed by the user, the merchantpayment device sends a request for payment to the user device orapplication, which forwards the request to the payment issuer includingthe card or bank account designated by the user. Systems at the paymentissuer verify the transaction, for example by checking the user accountnumber, expiration date, source of the payment request, and availablefunds, and sending a payment verification notification to the merchantsystem and to the user device. The monetary amount of the transaction istransferred into the merchant's account at the merchant's bank (which isdefined as any account designated by the merchant for the receipt offunds). In this manner, the merchant system never has access to theuser's confidential card or bank account information, but still receivespayment, and the transaction for the sale of the item is consummated.The user and merchant can each verify the transaction was complete byusing the verification notification, which may be a number or any othersuitable indicia.

In accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure,the user device can be used to place an order ahead of time when a useris expected to arrive at a merchant location. The user device orapplication communicates directly with a merchant network or server.Payment can be made at the merchant location, or made indirectly asdescribed above.

Exemplary systems and methods can additionally or alternatively performother functions. For example, exemplary applications can calculate atime and/or distance between a user and a merchant. The system can knowor calculate a time to fulfill an order based on historical data orbased on a communication sent from merchant after the order is received.

Systems and methods according to the invention may also, once a merchantis selected, prompt the user to either order the same item as previouslypurchased, or as purchased most frequently, or both, and/or prompt theuser to modify the order or select another item.

Additionally, any system or method according to aspects of the inventionmay include a database, or access one or more databases, for exampleassociated with the user's health. Available information associated withthe user's health may include weight, age, medical conditions (such asdiabetes, high blood pressure, heart condition, and/or the like), and/ora diet program. The system may communicate with databases such as theindividual's electronic health records, EMR (electronic medical record)and/or PHR (personal health record). The application can match thisinformation with information related to food items, such as the sugaramount, salt amount, vitamin amount, contents, cholesterol amount, fatamount or starch amount available from a merchant and suggest itemsbased on the user's medical condition and other factors, such as time ofday.

Other aspects of the invention include a wearable electronic device (or“wearable device” or “embedded device”) that can be worn by a user(which can be a patient), such as a band on the arm, leg, waist, head,or neck, or be part of an article of clothing, such as a belt or hat, orbe attached to an article of clothing or a user.

A wearable device according to the invention can be configured tomonitor one or more medical conditions of the user (such as heart rate,perspiration, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, signals sent by amonitor inside of the user's body, and others) either directly orthrough one or more sensors connected to the device. The device may beconfigured to communicate with a server, an intermediary device, or anyother device (individually or collectively sometimes referred to as a“receiving device” when information is transmitted by the wearabledevice). In that case, information monitored by the wearable device maybe transmitted to one or more receiving devices, and the receivingdevice may transmit information to the wearable device. The function ofthe wearable device may change based on many factors, including one ormore of its location, the time of day, the day of the week, sensor(s) towhich it is connected, a command from a user, and/or signals receivedfrom another device. The software on the wearable device may also beautomatically changed or updated, or manually changed or updated by theuser, and the changed or updated software may alter the function of thedevice. Changing the software to alter functionality may again be basedon one or more factors such as location, sensors connected to thedevice, conditions detected by the device, a command from a user, thedate, and the time of day.

A wearable device, or any device, may include software that isconfigured to permit dynamic changing or updating of software used withthe device.

The system may update over time depending upon the new information itreceives, for example based on system updates, new and/or additionaldata regarding a user or a merchant, and/or the like. The contents ofthis summary section are provided as a simplified introduction to thedisclosure, and are not intended to be used to limit the scope of theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a financial transaction system as known in the art.

FIG. 2 illustrates an electronic communication and payment system inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary electronic communication andpayment system in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary electronic communication andpayment system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary electronic communication andpayment system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further exemplary electronic communication andpayment system in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface on a user device inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary user interface on a user device inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary user interface on a user device inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a device and method for indirect payment to amerchant.

FIG. 11 illustrates an Executable and Linkable Format file as known inthe art.

FIG. 12 illustrates a Flash Loadable Module file format in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a Flash Loadable Module file format in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates creation and use of a Flash Loadable Module fileformat in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary user device and related capabilitiesand systems in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawing figures, which illustrate variousembodiments by way of illustration. While various embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodimentsmay be realized and that logical and functional changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, thedetailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustrationonly and not of limitation. For example, steps recited in a method orprocess may be executed in any order unless otherwise noted. Moreover,unless otherwise noted, functions or steps may be performed by one ormore third parties.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to electroniccommunication systems and methods to facilitate a transaction between auser and a merchant. As set forth in more detail below, various systemsand methods employ a user device having an application thereon toperform various functions. For example, the application can retrieveinformation relating to a merchant, such as most-frequent purchases madeby the user at that merchant. The merchant may be part of a franchise,in which case the information may include most-frequent purchase at thefranchise, as opposed to at a single merchant of the franchise.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, a user and/or amerchant can participate in a program which confers certain privilegesto its members. In these cases, various functions described below can beprovided by a program manager—e.g., via cloud services described below.Such features can eliminate or reduce wait times for a consumer, reduceor eliminate incorrect orders, and eliminate a need to pay for items ata merchant location. Basic functions of the program can be offered tousers for free, with additional functions added for a premium.Similarly, basic functions can be provided to merchants, with premiumfeatures provided to merchants for a fee. Or, merchants can be requiredto pay a fee (e.g., monthly or annually) to join the program.

Additionally or alternatively, exemplary systems and methods can providea process for using a user device to place an order with a merchant andto pay for the order prior to arriving at a merchant location.

During a typical user/merchant transaction, such as a transaction at arestaurant, coffee shop, or similar merchant, a consumer (user) arrivesat a merchant location, orders an item, pays for the item, and thenwaits to receive the item. FIG. 1 illustrates the typical process. Inthis case, a user 102 presents payment information (e.g., a credit cardor debit card) to a merchant. A merchant device 104 then transmits arequest for payment to an acquiring bank 106 (e.g. the merchant's bank).Then, e.g., using a financial network 108, acquiring bank 106 requestspayment on behalf of the merchant from an issuing financial institution(e.g., the user's bank). While such systems work relatively well, theyrequire the presence of the user at the merchant site prior to or whenpaying for the item. Such systems also require the user to spendadditional time at the merchant site. In addition, user financialinformation is generally provided by a user directly to merchant device104. Providing such financial information may be undesirable, becausesuch information can be misused by a third party. In addition, if theuser is paying with a credit or debit card, the user and/or merchant maybe susceptible to fraud.

In contrast to these prior approaches, exemplary systems and methodsallow for more convenient and/or automated ordering, reduce wait times,provide suggestions for orders, and/or the like. FIG. 2 illustrates anelectronic communication and payment system 200 in accordance withvarious exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Electroniccommunication and payment system includes a user device 202 and amerchant device 204. As set forth in more detail below, in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, user device 202 can beused to place an order for one or more items—e.g., for later pickup by auser/consumer and can transmit payment (e.g., by way of a credit cardpayment, debit card payment, token, credit, or the like) to merchantdevice 204. Communication between user device and merchant device can bedirect or be transmitted through a network 210. Additionally oralternatively, the payment can proceed without involvement of otherfinancial institutions, as illustrated in FIG. 2, or may go through oneor more intermediary financial institutions, as discussed in more detailbelow in connection with other figures.

User device 202 can comprise any suitable device with wirelesscommunication features or that can communicate over a network. In theillustrated examples, user device 202 is illustrated using mobile,cellular, satellite, and/or wireless communication. However, thedisclosure is not so limited. By way of examples, user device 202 caninclude a computing unit or system. The computing units or systems maytake the form of a computer, a set of computers, a smartphone, a laptop(for example, a MacBook), a notebook, a tablet (for example, an iPad), ahand-held computer, a personal digital assistant, a set-top box, aworkstation, a computer-server, a main frame computer, a mini-computer,a PC server, a pervasive computer, a network set of computers, apersonal computer, a kiosk, a point of sale (POS) device and/or aterminal, a television, or any other device capable of receiving and/orsending data over a network. User device 202 may run Microsoft InternetExplorer®, Mozilla Firefox®, Google® Chrome, Apple® Safari, Apple® iOS,Android, or any other suitable software package(s). In accordance withvarious embodiments of the disclosure, user device 202 is globalpositioning system (GPS) enabled in order to provide and/or utilizelocation information associated with device 202. For example, device 202may be configured to support geo-location and/or location-basedservices.

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, user device202 includes an application 206 to perform one or more functions asdescribed herein. In accordance with various aspects of theseembodiments, application 206 uses GPS-enabled features of user device202 to allow user device 202 to perform certain functions based on, forexample, a distance between a user (with user device 202) and a merchant(with merchant device 204), an expected amount of time it will take auser to reach the merchant (which can depend on one or more modes oftransportation, such as walking, driving, public transportation, orcombinations thereof). For example, as discussed in more detail below, auser can use user device 202 and application 206 to place an order,wherein the order will be transmitted to a merchant (either directly orthrough various networks) based on a user proximity to the merchant, anexpected time for a user to reach a merchant, or the like.

A consumer can use user device 202 and application 206 to cause variousfunctions to be performed. As used herein, the terms “consumer,” “user,”“end user,” and “customer” may be used interchangeably with each other,and each may include any person, entity, government organization,business, machine, hardware, and/or software. Application 206 can be astand-alone application, part of an operating system, or a web plug-in.In any of these cases, user device 202 can act as a web client thatcommunicates via a network (e.g., network 210). Web clients may includea browser application which interfaces with a network. Such browserapplications typically include internet browsing software installedwithin a computing unit or a system to conduct online transactionsand/or communications.

During a transaction, a user can use user device 202 to review nearbymerchants (e.g., based on GPS coordinates) and review recent ordersplaced with such nearby merchants. The recent order(s) can be displayedas a default (or only) order option. A default option can be, forexample, the most recent order, a most-frequent order (e.g., the mostfrequent from the last 2 or more orders), a most popular order based ontransaction data for a merchant, and/or the like. A price can bedisplayed proximate the item, and an option to buy one or more items canbe displayed to the user.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure,application 206 can be enabled to be continuously running in thebackground, so that when a user is within a predetermined distance(e.g., 5 miles, 2 miles, 1 mile, 0.5 mile, or the like) from apredefined merchant (e.g., a merchant participating in a program),application 206 automatically displays a user interface, such as one ormore user interfaces discussed in more detail below in connections withFIGS. 7-9. The amount of distance or time can be user selected ormerchant selected and can be based on, for example, a mode oftransportation used by the user and/or an average speed that the user istraveling.

By way of one example, application 206 can be used to calculate wherethe customer is located relative to a drive-through restaurant orfacilities thereof, so as to engage the user at the appropriate time. Atthe start of the drive-through (i.e., as the user approaches and/orenters the drive-through area of a restaurant) the user is prompted byapplication 206 as to whether the user wants the same order as aprevious order, a most-frequent order item, or the like. At the speakerthe user is asked to pull forward, because the order is already in thesystem. Prior to or at a payment window, the application 206 provides adisplay requesting payment prior to or after receiving the user's order.

Another example is just-in-time ordering as noted above. In this case,device 202 or 204 or another device, such as a device provided by acloud service, discussed in more detail below, calculates how far (orhow much time) a customer is away from a given location after ordering,and places the order with merchant device 204 after calculating thepreparation and any additional time, before the customer arrives at themerchant site. In accordance with some embodiments, a customer can havean option presented on user device 202 to “prepare now,” in which casethe order is placed in the merchant queue and is processed in order (orwith preference to those in the program).

Application 206 can optionally include an option to “pay it forward”and/or “pay it backward.” Something trending in coffee lines is theconcept of paying for the car ahead of you (e.g., when you are at thespeaker) or the car behind you when you are at the pickup window. A usercan push a button using application 206 on user device 202 to do eitherand this can be based on, for example, user device's communications tomerchant device 204—either directly or via a cloud service. For privacyreasons, the order of the other person may not be shown to the userpaying for such items.

In accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure,application 206 can be used to review (e.g., real-time) wait timesassociated with particular merchants. For example, in the case ofrestaurants, application 206 can be used to look at restaurants (e.g.,restaurants enlisted in a program) in the area to see how long theirwait list is. The restaurants can be displayed to a user in certainareas by, for example, choice of food, location, and/or wait times.After receiving such information, users can use the ability to push upon the line with the “put me in line” feature, for example, as discussedbelow.

In accordance with yet further additional or alternative embodiments,application 206 and user device 202 can be used in connection withpull-up services. In these cases, a merchant can dedicate an area and/orparking spots to users participating in a program. In these cases, auser does not need to go through a drive through or wait in line.Rather, application 206 and/or a cloud service can send an alert to themerchant (e.g., merchant device 204) when a user is near or at themerchant location. A user may come in to get the order or to have itbrought to their car. The establishment setup may record the location ofthe reserved parking spots.

User device 202 can also include a database 208. Database 208 can storeinformation relating to various merchants and can store user orderinformation associated with the merchants. Although illustrated as partof user device 202, database 208 or portions thereof can suitably formpart of (and/or be accessed or accessible via) network 210 or anothernetwork. Database 208, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be implemented as a database management system(DBMS), a relational database management system (e.g., DB2, Oracle, SQLServer, My SQL, ACCESS, etc.), an object-oriented database managementsystem (ODBMS), a file system, or in any another suitable manner.Database 208 can be accessed by a server via a Structure Query Language(SQL) or in any other desired manner. Database 208 may be organized inany suitable manner, including as data tables or lookup tables.Association of certain data may be accomplished through any desired dataassociation technique and data association may be accomplished manuallyand/or automatically. In one embodiment, database 208 is configured tostore information related to a service performed for a customer.Information from database 208 can be used by application 206 to, forexample, facilitate performance of various functions described herein.

Database 208 can also store user account information. Phrases and termssimilar to “account,” “account number,” “account code” or “consumeraccount” as used herein, can include any device, code (e.g., one or moreof an authorization/access code, personal identification number (“PIN”),internet code, other identification code, and/or the like), number,letter, symbol, digital certificate, smart chip, digital signal, analogsignal, biometric or other identifier/indicia suitably configured toallow the consumer to access, interact with or communicate with thesystem. In various embodiments, an account number can refer to a fifteenor sixteen digit number on a transaction instrument and a card securitycode on the transaction instrument. The account number may optionally belocated on or associated with a rewards account, charge account, creditaccount, debit account, prepaid account, telephone card, embossed card,smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, transponder, radiofrequency card or an associated account.

Merchant device 204 can include any suitable system, software, and/orhardware, such as devices noted above in connection with user device202. A merchant can be a provider, broker and/or any other entity in thedistribution chain of items. A merchant can be, for example, a coffeeshop, a restaurant, a bookstore, a grocery store, a retail store, atravel agency, a service provider, a social media operator, an on-linemerchant, a digital wallet provider, or the like. Phrases and termssimilar to “business” or “merchant” may be used herein interchangeablywith each other.

Merchant device 204 can include a merchant application 212. Merchantapplication 212 can facilitate communication between merchant device 204and user device 202 and/or can facilitate setup of merchant device 204to be used in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.For example, merchant application can be used to receive an order and/orindication of a payment from a customer and, in some cases, can transmita verification of receipt of payment to user device 202 or to anotherentity. Merchant application 212 can also allow a merchant to inputinformation regarding the merchant, such as merchant accountinformation, location of merchant, and/or GPS coordinates for locationsassociated with the merchant (e.g., GPS coordinates of a drive-upwindow, a pickup window, a payment window, a pickup location, and thelike). Additionally or alternatively, merchant application 212 can allowa merchant to enter expected wait times associated with various items.The expected wait times can include preparation time and additionaltime, which can be entered or calculated using, e.g., one or more of thedevices described herein. The additional time can include, for example,additional time associated with a user traveling to the merchant site,additional time associated with additional customers at a merchant site,a time of day, a time of year, and the like.

By way of example, merchant application 212 can prompt a merchant tomark a start of their drive-through where the GPS location will berecorded, stepping at a suitable interval (for example, approximatelyevery 10 feet), then marking the GPS location for a speaker, and thenmarking a GPS location for a serving window. This allows quick setup ofmerchant application 212 to get a merchant online quickly. Suchinformation can be used to calculate where in line the user is at inorder to pop up the appropriate user interface when the user is close tothe merchant. Such information can be stored on merchant device 204and/or on part of a network or cloud service discussed below.

Merchant device 204 can also include a database 214. Database 214 can beused to store payment information, such as customer name, order, andindication of payment received. Database 214 can include the same systemand/or software described above in connection with database 208, or maydiffer from database 208, as desired.

Network 210 can include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network,a personal area network, a campus area network, a metropolitan areanetwork, a global area network, a financial network, the internet, orthe like. Network 210 can be coupled to one or more user devices 202,merchant devices 204, and/or other devices using an Ethernet connection,other wired connections, wireless interfaces, such as Bluetooth, W-Fi,or mobile communication protocols, such as wireless application protocol(WAP), or the like. Network 210 can be coupled to other networks and/orto other devices.

Network 210 may comprise any suitable electronic communications systemsor methods which incorporate software and/or hardware components.Communication may be accomplished through any suitable communicationchannels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, anintranet, the internet, point of interaction device (point of saledevice, personal digital assistant, smart phone, cellular phone (e.g.,iPhone®, Windows Phone®, Android, or Blackberry®), kiosk, etc.), onlinecommunications, satellite communications, off-line communications,wireless communications, transponder communications, local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), networkedor linked devices, keyboard, mouse and/or any suitable communication,data input modality, and any combinations thereof. Network 210 may beimplemented with TCP/IP communications protocols and/or using IPX,Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, any tunneling protocol (e.g., IPsec,SSH), or any number of suitable existing or future protocols. If network210 is in the nature of a public network, such as the internet, it maybe advantageous to presume the network 210 to be insecure and open toeavesdroppers. Specific information related to the protocols, standards,and application software utilized in connection with the internet isgenerally known and, as such, need not be detailed herein.

The various system components described herein can be independently,separately or collectively coupled to network 210 via one or more datalinks including, for example, a connection to an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) over a local loop as is typically used in connection withstandard modem communication, cable modem, Dish networks, ISDN, DigitalSubscriber Line (DSL), or various wireless communication methods. Thesystems and methods disclosed herein contemplate the use, sale and/ordistribution of any goods, services or information over any networkhaving functionality similar to that described above with reference tonetwork 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary electronic communication andpayment system in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments ofthe disclosure. System 300 is similar to system 200, except system 300includes a payment issuer 302.

Payment issuer 302 can be any entity that offers transaction accountservices, such as a financial institution. The financial institution canrepresent any type of bank, lender or other type of account-issuinginstitution, such as credit card companies, card-sponsoring companies,or third-party issuers under contract with financial institutions. It isfurther noted that other participants may be involved in some phases ofthe transaction, such as an intermediary settlement institution.

Payment issuer 302 can include a company (e.g., a third party) appointed(e.g., by a merchant) to handle transactions for merchant banks. Inaccordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, paymentissuer 302 can be broken down into two types: front-end and back-end. Afront-end payment issuer 302 can have connections to various transactionaccounts and supply authorization and settlement services to themerchant banks' merchants. A back-end payment issuer 302 acceptssettlements from front-end processors and, via the Federal Reserve bank,move money from an issuing bank to the merchant bank. In an operationthat will usually take a few seconds, the payment issuer can both checkthe details received by forwarding the details to the respectiveaccount's issuing bank or card association for verification, and maycarry out a series of anti-fraud measures against the transaction.Additional parameters, including the account's country of issue and itsprevious payment history, may be used to gauge the probability of thetransaction being approved. In response to the payment issuer receivingconfirmation that the transaction account details have been verified,the information may be relayed back to the merchant and/or the user. Inresponse to the verification being denied, the payment issuer can relaycorresponding information to the merchant and/or the user.

As used herein, “transmit” may include sending electronic data from onesystem component to another over a network connection. Additionally, asused herein, “data” may include encompassing information such ascommands, queries, files, data for storage, and the like in digital orany other form.

To conduct a transaction using electronic communication and paymentsystem 300, a user can select a merchant and item(s) using application206 and database 208. A user can then select to pay for the items usingapplication 206. The payment information for the transaction can bestored in database 208 and can include one or more payment options. Oncethe user selects payment, the payment request is transmitted to paymentissuer 302—e.g., using network 210. Once payment issuer 302 receives thepayment request, payment issuer 302 can send indication of payment,payment, or a token to merchant device 204. Payment issuer 302 and/ormerchant device 204 can send user device 202 verification of payment,which a user can present to a merchant upon pickup of the ordereditem(s).

FIG. 4 illustrates another electronic communication and payment system400 in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.Electronic communication and payment system 400 is similar to electroniccommunication and payment system 300, except electronic communicationand payment system 400 includes a cloud service 402.

Cloud service 402 can include one or more servers or other devicecapable of performing exemplary cloud service functions. In variousexemplary embodiments, cloud service 402 can include any of the networkcomponents described above in connection with network 210. Further,although illustrated separately, cloud service 402 may form part ofnetwork 210.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, cloudservice 402 can facilitate user and merchant account setup and/or canstore information, such as account information, associated withmerchants and/or users. In accordance with further examples, cloudservice 402 can additionally or alternatively act as a paymentintermediary, such that user account information is not passed tomerchant device 204.

For example, cloud service 402 can receive and store merchantinformation received from merchant device 204. A merchant can entermerchant information, such as location (e.g., address and/or GPSlocation), menu items, specials, and prices. The merchant informationcan include specific information, such as GPS locations of drive-upwindows, payment windows, and the like.

Similarly, cloud service 402 can receive and store user information,such as one or more of: a user device identifier, merchants, relateditems (e.g., for each of one or more merchants), payment information(e.g., credit card, debit card, third-party service such as PayPal, orthe like). Alternatively, some, including any combination, of suchinformation can be stored on user device 202—e.g., in database 208.

In the illustrated example, when a user places an order using userdevice 202, cloud service 402 receives the order, and passes a paymentrequest to payment issuer 302—e.g., through network 210. Payment issuer302 then issues a payment to cloud service 402. The payment can residewith cloud service 402 for a prescribed period of time or until amerchant requests such information. Alternatively, the payment or acorresponding credit can be pushed to merchant device 204. In accordancewith some embodiments of the disclosure, the payment informationprovided by cloud service 402 to merchant device 204 can be in the formof a token or credit, such that user account information and/or paymentissuer account information is never passed to merchant device 204. Oncemerchant device 204 or cloud service 402 receives payment, verificationof the payment to user device 202 can be transmitted—either directlyfrom merchant device 204, via cloud service 402 (which can then storesuch verification), or via another network.

FIG. 5 illustrates another electronic communication and payment system500 in accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure. Electronic communication and payment system 500 is similarto electronic communication and payment system 400, except in theillustrated example of electronic communication and payment system 500,payment information from payment issuer 302 is passed through one ormore networks 210 (which may include a cloud service 402 as describedabove) to user device 202. In this case, merchant information and/oruser information can be stored in a cloud service, such as cloud service402. When an order is placed using user device 202, a payment request istransmitted using network 210 to payment issuer 302. Payment issuer 302then transmits a form of payment to user device 202 via network 210.User device 202 then transmits a payment (e.g., token, or credit) tomerchant device 204. Although illustrated as a direct payment, thepayment from user device 202 to merchant 204 can go through a suitablenetwork. In accordance with some examples, merchant device 204 can sendto user device 202 a verification of payment, which a user can thenpresent to a merchant when picking up the ordered items.

Turning now to FIG. 6, another electronic communication and paymentsystem 600, in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, is illustrated. Electronic communication and payment system600 is similar to electronic communication and payment system 400,except electronic communication and payment system 600 utilizes apayment issuer 602, a network 604, and a payment acquirer 606.

Payment issuer 602 can be the same as or similar to payment issuer 302.Network 604 can include any of the network components described above inconnection with network 210. By way of example, network 604 can includea bank or financial network.

Payment acquirer 606 can include any suitable financial institution,such as those described herein. In the illustrated example, a merchantusing merchant device 204 can have a merchant account with paymentacquirer 606.

In an illustrated example, when a user places an order to a merchantusing user device 202, the order can be received via network 210 (whichcan be or include cloud service 402, as described above). Informationregarding the order, such as a payment request, can then be transmittedto payment acquirer 606 and to payment issuer 602—e.g., via network 604.Order information can then be transmitted to merchant device 204 usingnetwork 210. Payment issuer 602 then transmits payment to paymentacquirer 606 via network 604. Once payment is received by paymentacquirer 606, a notification of receipt of payment can be sent tomerchant device 204, so that the merchant receives an indication of thepayment. Similar to other embodiments described above, in accordancewith some examples of the disclosure, the indication of payment frompayment acquirer 606 and/or network 210 to merchant device 204 does notinclude user account information, so that the merchant does not receivesuch information. Thus, any fraud on the user that originates at amerchant site or with merchant device 204 can be mitigated oreliminated.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, network210 (e.g., a cloud service) can send verification of payment to userdevice 202. Additionally or alternatively, merchant device 204 cantransmit a verification of payment to user device 202. Such verificationcan be displayed on user device 202 (e.g., using application 206) whenpicking up the ordered item(s) from the merchant.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, various functions of user device 202 and userapplication 206 are described in connection with exemplary userinterfaces. The illustrated user interfaces can be used in accordancewith any of the exemplary electronic communication and payment systemsdescribed above.

FIG. 7 illustrates a user interface 700 in accordance with variousexamples of the disclosure. In the illustrated example, user interface700 includes a display 702 to display information associated with amerchant. Display 702 can be configured to display informationassociated with only a particular merchant, to display a defaultmerchant and have a drop-down or other selection box (as illustrated),or display information associated with multiple merchants. In accordancewith various aspects of these embodiments, display 702 and/or userapplication 206 allows a user to enter or select a merchant.

Display 704 allows a user to select one or more items associated with aselected (or default or only) merchant. As noted above, to provide animproved user experience, application 206 can be configured toautomatically display a most-frequently purchased item by a user ondisplay 704. If a user desires to order another item, a user can useselection box 704 to order an alternative item from the merchant.

Display 706 allows a user to select one or more additional items to addto an order. Application 206 can cause to be displayed additionaldisplays 706 if a user selects one or more add-on items.

Application 206 can allow a user to select from various orderingoptions, such as ordering now, ordering when within a distance or timefrom a merchant, ordering when within a distance or time of the merchantthat is about the same as an estimated time to prepare the item(s) forpickup, or the like. For example, a predetermined amount of time toprepare an item, which can be based on, for example, an average amountof time to prepare the item, can be used to estimate an amount of timeto prepare an ordered/selected item. In addition to a preparation time,an estimated time can be based on, for example, a time of day, a numberof people in line, an additional amount of time supplied by a merchant,a time of year, an additional amount of time based on, for example, aspecial event, or the like. Application 206 can be configured to placethe order (e.g., as a selected option) when a time for user device 202to arrive at the merchant is about the same as an estimated time toprepare the item.

A user can select pay option 710 to pay for the ordered item(s). Whenpayment option 710 is selected, payment information previously stored indatabase 208 can be used to pay for the selected items. If no priorpayment information is stored in database 208, then a user can beprompted to enter payment information and such information can be storedin database 208. The user can be prompted whether or not to store thepayment information.

Display 712 can pop up once payment verification is received by amerchant device (e.g., merchant device 204), a payment issuer (e.g.,payment issuer 302), and/or a cloud service (e.g., cloud service 402). Auser can show a merchant the verification as evidence that a payment forone or more items was made.

FIG. 8 illustrates another user interface 800 for additional oralternative functions of user device 202 and/or exemplary electroniccommunication and payment systems, such as those described herein. Userinterface 800 is similar to user interface 700, but user interface 800does not include an option for add-on items. In addition, interface 800includes a window 804 that allows a user to select a function, such asorder, get in line, pay it forward, pay it backward, pay now, or thelike. Displays 802, 806, 808, and 810 can be the same as or similar todisplays 702, 704, 710, and 712. Display 806 options can depend on thefunction selected with display 804.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, device 202 can be used to place acustomer in a queue by selecting “put me in line.” For example, if amerchant typically has a long waiting line, a user can use user device202 and application 206 to communicate with the merchant—e.g., usingmerchant device 204 to indicate that the user desires to be in a queue.

By way of example, a user can be put on a wait list from a remotelocation using user device 202. The list can be adjusted (the usermoving down the list) if the user's arrival time (e.g., based on theuser's device's GPS location) is less than X (e.g., 30, 20, 10, 5, orthe like) minutes away from the merchant or moved up on a list if theuser is more than x minutes away from the merchant.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments, a user's device (e.g.user device 202) can be used in a manner similar to a pager. Manyrestaurants use a pager that is given to patrons to signal the customerswhen their tables are ready. In accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosure, merchant device 204 can transmit a signal to user device202—either directly or indirectly—to notify the user that the table (oritem) is ready. A pop-up, message, vibration, or other suitabletechnique may be utilized to inform the user, as desired.

FIG. 9 illustrates another user interface 900 that can be used, forexample, for a pull-up service. User interface 900 is similar to userinterface 700, but user interface 900 is simplified and does not includean option for add-ons (but in other examples a user interface mayinclude such a display) or alternative payment options. In addition,user interface 900 includes a window 904 that allows a user to select afunction, such as order now, get in line, pay it forward, or the like.Displays 902, 906, 908, and 910 can be the same as or similar todisplays 702, 704, 710, and 712. The user interfaces illustrated hereinare merely for presenting various examples; the invention is not limitedto the specific examples shown. For example, various combinations ofexemplary displays are considered to be within the scope of thisdisclosure.

Systems and methods according to the invention may also, once a merchantis selected, prompt the user to either order the same item as previouslypurchased, or as purchased most frequently, or both, and/or prompt theuser to modify the order or select another item.

Additionally, any system or method according to aspects of the inventionmay include a database, or access one or more databases associated withthe user's health. Available information associated with the user'shealth may include weight, age, medical conditions (such as diabetes,high blood pressure, or heart condition), and/or a diet program. Thesystem may communicate with databases such as the individual'selectronic health records, EMR (electronic medical record) and/or PHR(personal health record). The application can match this informationwith information related to food items, such as blood sugar level,diabetes, high blood pressure, heart condition), and information, suchas the sugar amount, salt amount, vitamin amount, contents, cholesterolamount, fat amount or starch amount available from a merchant andsuggest items based on the user's medical condition and other factors,such as time of day.

The system is smart and updates over time depending upon the newinformation it receives, for example based on system updates, new and/oradditional data regarding a user or a merchant, and/or the like. In someexemplary embodiments, for example when application 206 is utilized toorder a beverage, application 206 may monitor and/or note when the useractually picked up the beverage order. Future orders placed with thatmerchant may take into account lead times for order pickup based onhistorical lead time information.

For example, user device 202 and/or application 206 may contact amerchant which supplies food items. Based on the information availableto the application or device (for example, a user location), and ananalysis of the available food items from the merchant and the user'shealth condition, the device may display a message such as “I see thatyou are at (or are ordering from) restaurant X. May I suggest meal Y,which has 500 calories and costs $5.75 plus tax?” The user then has theoption to select that item or request to review different items from themerchant's menu.

In certain exemplary embodiments, via operation of application 206, userdevice 202 may be operative to automatically make a location-basedpayment, for example an access payment for a toll-road. As user device202 approaches and/or passes an electronic toll sensor, application 206may prompt the user to confirm that they would like to pay the toll. Insome embodiments, application 206 may be configured to automatically paya toll on behalf of the user, for example via utilizing one or more ofthe networks and/or techniques disclosed above.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the systemmay be embodied as a customization of an existing system, an add-onproduct, a processing apparatus executing upgraded software, astandalone system, a distributed system, a method, a data processingsystem, a device for data processing, and/or a computer program product.Accordingly, any portion of the system or a module may take the form ofa processing apparatus executing code, an internet-based embodiment, anentirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of theinternet, software and hardware. Furthermore, the system may take theform of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program code means embodied in the storagemedium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized,including hard disks, CD-ROM, optical storage devices, magnetic storagedevices, and/or the like.

Exemplary systems and methods are described herein with reference toscreen shots, block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,apparatus (e.g., systems), and computer program products according tovarious embodiments. It will be understood that each functional block ofthe block diagrams and the flowchart illustrations, and combinations offunctional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations,respectively, may be implemented by computer program instructionsoperative on computer hardware.

Via application of principles of the present disclosure, operation ofuser device 202 may be improved. For example, via operation ofapplication 206, a user may spend less time utilizing user device 202searching for directions, searching for suitable restaurants, reviewingelectronic menus, and/or the like, thus saving battery life on userdevice 202 and allowing user device 202 to operate for a longer periodof time between charges. Additionally, via operation of application 206,electricity use in network 210 and/or at merchant device 204 may bereduced, for example due to streamlining of order processes and/orelimination of redundant and/or inefficient steps. Yet further, thesecurity of operation of user device 202, merchant device 204, and/ornetwork 210 is improved, for example by eliminating the communication toa merchant device 204 of payment card information associated with a userof user device 202. In this manner, fraud and abuse may be reduced.

In various exemplary embodiments user device 202 may comprise and/or beconfigured to be wearable, adjustable, flexible, conformable,reprogrammable, and/or reconfigurable. For example, user device 202 mayutilize a plurality of applications 206. In these exemplary embodiments,principles of the present disclosure may utilize electronic devicesand/or methods disclosed in one or more of the following: (i) U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0066644 entitled “METHODS FORPERSONAL EMERGENCY INTERVENTION” published on Mar. 14, 2013; (ii) U.S.Pat. No. 8,126,728 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANDTRANSMITTAL OF MEDICAL DATA THROUGH AN INTERMEDIARY DEVICE” issued onFeb. 28, 2012; (iii) U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2009/0249443 entitled “METHOD FOR MONITORING THE UNAUTHORIZED USE OF ADEVICE” published on Oct. 1, 2009; (iv) Jeroen van den Brand, et al.,“Flexible and Stretchable Electronics for Wearable Health Devices” inSolid-State Electronics 113 (2015), pp. 116-120; (v) Michael P. Gaj, etal., “Organic light-emitting diodes on shape memory polymer substratesfor wearable electronics” in Organic Electronics 25 (2015), pp. 151-155;(vi) Yang Gao, et al., “Crack-Insensitive Wearable Electronics EnabledThrough High-Strength Kevlar Fabrics” in IEEE Transactions onComponents, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (Vol. 5, Issue 9,September 2015) pp. 1230-1236; (vii) Douglas Hackler, et al., “EnablingElectronics With Physically Flexible ICs and Hybrid Manufacturing” inProceedings of the IEEE (Vol. 103, No. 4, April 2015); (viii) WataruHonda, et al., “Wearable, Human-Interactive, Health-Monitoring, WirelessDevices Fabricated by Macroscale Printing Techniques” in AdvancedFunctional Materials (2014, Vol. 24) pp. 3299-3304; (ix) Ryota Tajima,et al., “Truly wearable display comprised of a flexible battery,flexible display panel, and flexible printed circuit” in Journal of theSociety for Information Display (22/5, 2015) pp. 237-244; and (x)Kuniharu Takei, et al., “Towards Flexible and Wearable Human-InteractiveHealth-Monitoring Devices” in Advanced Healthcare Materials (2015, 4)pp. 487-500. Each of the foregoing references are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

For example, in various exemplary embodiments, user device 202 maycomprise a device that is wearable, flexible, portable, injectable,implantable, and/or otherwise configured to interact with, accompany,and/or be integrated with or coupled to a human body, an item ofclothing, an item of furniture, a vehicle, a living space, a publicarea, a building, an item of infrastructure, and/or the like. Moreover,user device 202 may comprise a variety of electronic components,circuits, and capabilities. In particular, in various exemplaryembodiments user device 202 may be updatable, reprogrammable,repurposable, re-usable, and/or otherwise able to be reconfigured and/orrevised, for example in connection with specialized software andprogramming approaches disclosed in connection with FIGS. 11, 12, 13,and 14.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 through 14, advantages of independentsoftware modules that are loadable individually and on demand has longbeen recognized and widely used on larger computer systems. It providesa high level of flexibility in the range of functionality a particularsystem can provide. Instead of requiring all functionality to beincluded in one monolithic code base, the system has access to a largeset of modules that are stored somewhere highly optimized for low-cost,long-term storage. By loading modules from this storage into highpremium program space only when needed, the system is able to offerextended functionality while keeping the costs for premium resourcesunder control. Using this methodology allows programmability andflexibility that is limited only by the number of modules offered andthe amount of long-term storage space available to store them on. Moststandard operating systems from mainframes to PC's and smartphones arebased on this basic principle.

Although this approach is widely used on larger systems, lightweightembedded systems (for example, certain exemplary embodiments of userdevice 202) may lack the resources and level of hardware supportrequired to implement this type of architecture. Prior implementationsthat support loadable modules heavily rely on the presence of largeamounts of code and data memory and built-in hardware support like anMMU (Memory Management Unit) to provide virtual addressing capabilities.Although the costs for processors continue to fall while capabilitiesincrease, the tradeoff between higher end processors vs. lightweightsolutions continues to persist as factors such as cost, powerconsumption and size remain factors in design decisions for productsthat are always expected to do more for less: less money, less batterypower and smaller form factors, particularly for Internet of Things(IoT) and wearable devices.

As a result, most embedded systems that are designed around lightweightprocessors typically offer very limited and linear functionality.Lacking capabilities as described above, the firmware is implemented asone large monolithic system with functionality dedicated to a few maintasks and no ability to extend or change services without reprogrammingthe entire code base (and then only when the device is actually able toupdate the firmware).

In contrast, exemplary principles, systems, and methods disclosed hereinallow certain lightweight systems to implement programmability andimproved and varied performance through loadable modules without theneed for resources and capabilities only present on larger processorsystems.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, although each processormanufacturer provides proprietary solutions, development environmentsand additional tools to aid in development of embedded devices aroundtheir products, nearly all rely heavily on, or at least support, the useof the GNU toolchain to perform code compilation and linking into binaryimages suitable for execution on a target system. A large variety oftoolchain builds are available, targeting many processor architecturesfor many different types of operating systems. The most common outputformat produced by such tools is ELF (Executable and Linkable Format). Atypical (simplified) structure of an ELF file 1100 is shown in FIG. 11.Although ELF file 1100 may contain all the information needed to loadand relocate a program image into memory, the format itself is notparticularly designed for, nor suitable for, use in lightweight systems.Accordingly, exemplary principles, systems, and methods of the presentdisclosure are configured to utilize ELF file 1100 as an input, in orderto create a new format and new approach that is suitable for certainlightweight embedded systems, such as certain instances of user device202. It will be appreciated that this problem and solution areinextricably tied to certain specialized computer technology, and cannotbe performed on pen and paper or as a purely mental process. Moreover,the exemplary approaches disclosed herein improve the functioning of acomputing device by offering expanded functionality with limitedcomputing resources. Yet further, the exemplary approaches disclosedherein improve other industries, for example by limiting the amount ofindustrial waste needlessly produced to generate high-performanceprocessing components such as memory management units, when principlesof the present disclosure allow such components to be eliminated.

When a binary image is built, standard linkers will typically target theimage to be loaded at a particular code and data address. Unless a trueposition independent image is produced, loading the image in any otherlocation without additional processing will prevent the image fromexecuting properly. However, depending on memory usage andcharacteristics, these physical locations may not be available at moduleload time. On larger systems, this discrepancy can often be resolvedsimply by mapping actual physical addresses to the expected locationsthrough the virtual memory mapping capabilities of the MMU. However,this option may not always be a suitable solution, even when an MMU ispresent. In these instances the actual content of the code and/or datasegments of the image need to be modified to adjust for the addresschanges, a process called relocation. When relocation will be required,the ELF file will contain all the information needed to perform theactual relocation process. Larger systems will typically load the entirecode and data segment directly into RAM and subsequently enumeratethrough the relocation sections to determine how and where address fixups need to be performed and make the corresponding changes in the codeand data locations in RAM accordingly. Once relocation has completed,the RAM section containing the code will be configured for codeexecution (if applicable) and control is passed to the entry location inthe image as specified in the ELF file 1100. For optimization purposes,certain systems may not load the entire image at once but rather page bypage on an as needed basis. However, the basic relocation processremains the same.

In contrast, in various exemplary embodiments user device 202 comprisesa lightweight system, for example with limited processing capabilities,limited RAM, limited flash memory, no MMU, and so forth. In order toproduce a solution suitable for this environment, exemplary systems andapproaches disclosed herein are able to take full advantage of thisavailable code space and offer the ability to load modules into flash(hence the term “Flash Loadable Modules”).

Given that code and data space is often at a premium in lightweightsystems, an important consideration is the ability of exemplary systemsand approaches to be able to make efficient use of the available flashand RAM space, for example in a user device 202. The ability to loadbinary modules freely at any memory location, regardless of the initialtarget addresses used during build time, is highly desirable. Since theamount of memory in user device 202 may be relatively small, user device202 may lack an MMU unfortunately (which eliminates the relativelystraightforward virtual-to-physical address mapping methods as an optionto compensate for location changes). Instead, exemplary systems andmethods perform customized relocation processing in order to load abinary image at a different address.

With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, in various exemplary embodimentsa software application and/or related methods are configured totransform an ELF file 1100 into a Flash Loadable Module (FLM) file via aflash linker. An exemplary format for a FLM file 1200 is shown in FIG.12. Another exemplary format for a FLM file 1300 is shown in FIG. 13.

With reference to FIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment, a flash linker1400 is configured to convert a regular ELF file 1100 to an FLM file1200, which is much more suitable for loading binary images into flashmemory on embedded systems with limited resources, such as certainembodiments of user device 202. Flash linker 1400 collects all therelevant relocation entries from all sections in ELF file 1100 andorders them by relocation address. Flash linker 1400 subsequently breaksthe code segment into blocks based on a configurable block size andgroups each block with all relocation entries pertaining to that block.All groups are subsequently written to an FLM file 1200, following anFLM header. In FLM file 1200, the relocation entries for the datasegment are also grouped together but the segment itself is not splitinto blocks since the data can be loaded directly into RAM and relocatedin-place. The resulting FLM file is generally formatted as shown in FIG.12. In these exemplary embodiments, it can be seen that the combinedsize of a code block (i.e., 1 through N) and its correspondingrelocation information are of a fixed size.

In various exemplary embodiments, the FLM header contains details aboutthe ROM and RAM regions the binary image was originally built for, whilethe segment headers indicate information such as segment type, location,size and number of following blocks. In FLM file 1200, the code segmentheader is followed by code sections where each section consists of theactual code block and code relocation entries. Flash linker 1400 ensuresthat the combined size of a section does not exceed a specified size,making the code block smaller if more relocation entries are present.This allows lightweight embedded systems, for example certainembodiments of user device 202, to allocate a RAM buffer of predefinedfixed size, load each code section into the buffer and use the entriesin the buffer to relocate the content of the code block. When completed,the modified code block can be written directly to a flash buffer andthe embedded loader can move on and read in the next section. The sameprocess is followed for the data section except that the RAM buffer isbypassed and the data block written directly to the target region in RAMand relocation is performed in-place.

In some exemplary embodiments, user device 202 may be configured as anembedded system that does not utilize an intermediate RAM buffer, butrather utilizes a designated flash buffer directly. A flash buffer is aregion of RAM that matches the exact size of a flash write page and isused to read, modify and write back to flash in order to update non-pagealigned content. In these exemplary embodiments, FLM linker 1400 mayproduce an FLM file 1300 wherein the block size is fixed rather than thesection size, producing a format as illustrated in FIG. 13. In theseexemplary embodiments, it can be seen that code blocks 1 through N areof equal size, while the corresponding relocation information is of avariable size. When the code block size matches the size of the flashbuffer in user device 202, the embedded module loader can write the codeblock directly into the flash buffer and read to subsequent coderelocation entries to perform relocation directly in this buffer. Oncecompleted, the buffer content can be written to flash after, which theloader can load in the next code block from the FLM file.

Once an FLM file (e.g., 1200, 1300, and/or the like) is created, it maybe loaded into the flash memory of user device 202, for example viaoperation of FLM loader 1450. In this manner, user device 202 may beprovided with a variety of functions, depending on the contents of theFLM file. Various functions which may be programmed into user device 202in this manner are disclosed in the following Example Sets.

In some exemplary embodiments, FLM loader 1450 is external to userdevice 202. In other exemplary embodiments, FLM loader 1450 is internalto user device 202. FLM loader 1450 may comprise any suitable softwareand/or hardware components configured to write data to flash memory ofuser device 202 as disclosed herein.

With reference now to FIG. 15, in various exemplary embodiments a userdevice 202 is configured with various sensors, indicia, communicationcapabilities, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, user device202 comprises a microphone, a haptic vibration element, a buzzer,various buttons and switches, a display, and the like. User device 202may be worn, for example on a wrist, ankle, or so forth. User device 202may measure galvanic skin response (for example, in order to evaluatestress, hydration, etc.). Moreover, user device 202 may comprise a sixaxis accelerometer for use in fall detection, activity monitoring, stepcounting, sleep monitoring, calorie burning, and the like. Yet further,user device 202 may include a rechargeable battery that may be rechargedvia inductive coupling. Additionally, user device 202 may comprise atemperature sensor to measure ambient temperature, body temperature, andso forth. Various indicators and screens, for example LEDs, may displayinformation about heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation(SpO2), and so forth.

With continued reference to FIG. 15, in various exemplary embodiments auser device 202 may be configured to interface with and/or interact withvarious other components and systems to implement desired functionalityand/or capabilities. For example, user device 202 may wirelesslycommunicate with one or more nearby NFC devices 1052. NFC device 1502may provide various supplementary functionality to user device 202, forexample an immunoassay on a disposable NFC-enabled chip. Moreover, userdevice 202 may be configured with one or more access ports, snap-incouplings, and/or the like, in order accommodate integration withvarious disposable sensors 1504. Disposable sensors 1504 may beconfigured for one time use (or repeated use) to monitor or detect aparticular condition, substance, or the like, for example environmentalsensors, medical sensors, or other exemplary sensors disclosed in thefollowing Example Sets. Information from NFC device 1502, disposablesensor 1504, and/or the like may be transmitted to user device 202 andfrom there to various cloud-based evaluation, assessment, and/oranalytics services 1506 (which may, in turn, send various information,reports, alerts, warnings, reminders, and/or the like back to userdevice 202). For example, services 1506 may monitor and/or evaluateblood pressure, ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, hydration level, movement,impact, and/or the like.

Services 1506 may interface with local software on devices other thanuser device 202, for example tablet software utilized by caregivers, inorder to facilitate interaction with and/or care for a user of userdevice 202. Moreover, services 1506 may interface with systems andservices provided by third parties, for example emergency medicalservices, in order to provide actionable data about a user of userdevice 202. Services 1506 may also be utilized to revise, update,replace, and/or supplement the capabilities of user device 202, forexample via providing updated functionality applications over a wirelessconnection to user device 202 as disclosed herein. In some exemplaryembodiments, these functionality applications may take the form of anFLM file 1200 and/or 1300, as desired.

In various exemplary embodiments, user device 202 may be utilized (forexample, in connection with services 1506), to provide an extensibleplatform of services and capabilities to a user. For example, inconnection with automation, user device 202 maybe utilized as acontroller to control a television, lights, thermostats, and the like.User device 202 may act as a beacon for positional awareness of a userof user device 202.

Moreover, in connection with security and authentication, user device202 may be utilized, for example, to: arm or disarm an alarm system;operate as a personal emergency response system; provide attack or falldetection; provide geofencing; act as a lost and found aid; providelocation of a person; authenticate and/or enable use of a weapon;operate as a pass key for a hotel room, garage, event, or the like; actas an airline ticket and/or biometric security authentication; unlock apersonal electronic device, such as a cell phone, tablet, learningthermostat, or the like; provide tap communication capabilities, such astap and pair, provide network authentication capabilities, and so forth.

Yet further, in connection with healthcare and fitness, user device 202may be utilized, for example, to: track medication adherence;communicate with biometric devices such as a scale, blood pressuremeasurement system, glucometer, pulse oximeter, or the like; storepersonal health records, personal health information, or geneticinformation; coordinate gym workouts, such as preset equipment settings,workout records; provide activity tracking, such as exercise, steps,calories, sleep, and so forth; provide hospital and/or home healthcareidentification or access; provide digital nutrition delivery, and soforth.

Still further, in connection with vehicles, user device 202 may beutilized, for example, to: lock or unlock doors; provide driveridentification; provide driver warnings (over center line, following tooclose, etc.); integrate with a vehicle navigation system, and so forth.

In various exemplary embodiments, for example as disclosed hereinabove,user device 202 may be utilized in connection with mobile payments toenable electronic wallet and ticketing capabilities, point of purchasepayments, event entrances, and so forth.

User device 202 may be utilized as and/or in connection with an attacheddisposable sensor (e.g., for ovulation monitoring, diabetes monitoring,etc.), a tremor monitor, a stress monitor, and/or point of carediagnostics.

In various exemplary embodiments, user device 202 may be utilized inconnection with services 1506 to provide remote point of carediagnostics capabilities. For example, a series of diagnostic tests maybe ordered at a point of care for a patient associated with user device202. Appropriate software for the diagnostic tests (for example,formatted as an FLM file 1200 or 1300) may be sent to user device 202via services 1506. The software is loaded onto user device 202 and thetests are performed (for example, in connection with one or more ofdisposable sensor 1504, NFC device 1502, or the like). The results aretransmitted back to the ordering system/clinician via services 1506.Based on the results, the ordering system/clinician may order additionaltests or treatment, add or remove functionality to user device 202,and/or the like. Trends and other changes in tests over time may bereviewed and assessed. In this manner, improved diagnostic capabilitiesand follow up are achieved.

It will be appreciated that, via interaction of user device 202 withservices 1506, various third-party systems and services 1508 may provideservices to user device 202 and/or a wearer thereof. For example, healthcare providers, financial services providers, and the like may desirablyinteract with a user of user device 202 via the functions andcapabilities described herein.

Examples of various exemplary embodiments embodying aspects of theinvention are presented in the following Example Set I. It will beappreciated that all the examples contained in this disclosure are givenby way of explanation, and not of limitation.

Examples of the Invention. Example 1: A device for being attached to aperson, the device comprising: (a) band including electronic circuitry,a first power source, and a display; and (b) the band, electroniccircuitry and display being flexible so as to be functional whenmanipulated into a circle having a diameter of 4″ or more, 5″ or more,6″ or more, 7″ or more, 8″ or more, 9″ or more, or 10″ or more. Example2: The device of example 1 that can be manipulated into a circle leavinga diameter of 4″ to 10″. Example 3: The device of any of examples 1-2that has a thickness of ¼″ or less. Example 4: The device of any ofexamples 1-2 that has a thickness of ⅛″ or less. Example 5: The deviceof any of examples 1-2 that has a thickness of 3/16″ or less. Example 6:The device of any of examples 1-5 that has a width of 2″ or less, or 1½″or less, or 1″ or less or ¾″ or less. Example 7: The device of any ofexamples 1-6 wherein the power source is a battery. Example 8: Thedevice of example 7 wherein the battery is rechargeable. Example 9: Thedevice of any of examples 1-8 that includes a second power source thatprovides power when the first power source is drained. Example 10: Thedevice of example 9 wherein the second power source is a primary batteryor a secondary battery.

Example 11: The device of any of examples 1-10 that includes a solarcell that recharges the primary power source and/or the secondary powersource. Example 12: The device of any of examples 1-11 that connects toa solar cell that recharges the primary power source and/or thesecondary power source. Example 13: The device of any of examples 1-12wherein the circuitry can be flexed into an arc of a circle having adiameter of between 5″ to 25″ or more. Example 14: The device of any ofexamples 1-13 wherein the circuitry is 50% or less of the length of theband, or 80% or less of the length of the band. Example 15: The deviceof any of examples 1-14 wherein the circuitry has a thickness of 25% ofthe band or less, or 25%-50% of the band, or 75% of the band or less.Example 16: The device of any of examples 1-15 wherein the circuitry hasa width of 90% of the width of the band or less, or between 50% and 80%of the width of the band, or between 80% and 100% the width of the band.Example 17: The device of any of examples 1-12 wherein the display canbe flexed into an arc of a circle having a diameter of between 5″ to 25″or more. Example 18: The device of any of examples 1-13 wherein thedisplay is 50% or less of the length of the band, or 80% or less of thelength of the band. Example 19: The device of any of examples 1-14wherein the display has a thickness of 25% of the band or less, or25%-50% of the band, or 80% of the band or less. Example 20: The deviceof any of examples 1-15 wherein the display has a width of 90% of thewidth of the band or less, or between 50% and 80% the width of the band,or between 90%-100% the width of the band.

Example 21: The device of any of examples 1-20 that is configured to beworn on a wrist. Example 22: The device of any of examples 1-20 that isconfigured to be worn on either the arm, the leg, or the torso. Example23: The device of any of examples 1-20 that is a belt or part of a belt.Example 24: The device of any of examples 1-20 that is a watch or partof a watch. Example 25: The device of any of examples 1-20 that isjewelry or part of jewelry. Example 26: The device of any of examples1-25 that can measure heart rate. Example 27: The device of any ofexamples 1-26 that can measure blood oxygen. Example 28: The device ofany of examples 1-27 that can measure perspiration. Example 29: Thedevice of any of examples 1-28 that can measure electrical resistance onthe skin by directing a current across at least part of the skin.Example 30: The device of any of examples 1-29 that includes at leastone accelerator.

Example 31: The device of any of examples 1-30 that can measure bloodpressure. Example 32: The device of any of examples 1-31 that includes athermometer to measure the temperature of the wearer. Example 33: Thedevice of any of examples 1-32 that includes a thermometer to measureair temperature. Example 34: The device of any of examples 1-33 thatincludes a clock. Example 35: The device of any of examples 1-34 thatincludes a calendar. Example 36: The device of any of examples 1-35 thatincludes a GPS locator. Example 37: The device of any of examples 1-36wherein the display can be lit. Example 38: The device of any ofexamples 1-37 that includes multiple displays. Example 39: The device ofany of examples 1-38 that includes multiple circuitries. Example 40: Thedevice of any of examples 1-39 that includes multiple first powersources.

Example 41: The device of any of examples 1-40 that measures physicalsteps taken by the wearer. Example 42: The device of any of examples1-41 that measures physical distance walked, run, or biked by thewearer. Example 43: The device of any of examples 1-42 that includesanalog controls and/or digital controls. Example 44: The device of anyof examples 1-43 that includes a touch screen, the touch screendisplaying commands to assist in controlling the device. Example 45: Thedevice of any of examples 1-44 that estimates calories used by a wearer.Example 46: The device of any of examples 1-45 that communicates with acellular phone or other handheld device. Example 47: The device of anyof examples 1-46 that communicates with a computer. Example 48: Thedevice of any of examples 1-47 that suggests a first activity on thedisplay based on the date and time. Example 49: The device of example 48wherein the first activity can be selected or rejected by the wearerthrough the use of a control. Example 50: The device of example 49 thatsuggests a different activity if the first activity is rejected.

Example 51: The device of any of examples 1-50 wherein the wearer canselect among multiple activities in which to participate. Example 52:The device of any of examples 1-51 that is connected to a database ofpast activities of the wearer, the database including the activity, dateand time of the activity, and optionally the duration of the activity.Example 53: The device of example 52 wherein the database can be updatedor changed manually by the wearer. Example 54: The device of example 52or 53 wherein the database is updated automatically based upon activityby the wearer. Example 55: The device of any of examples 1-54 thatincludes an alarm to remind the wearer of an activity. Example 56: Thedevice of example 55 wherein the alarm is one or more of an audio alarm,a visual alarm, or physical alarm. Example 57: The device of example 56wherein the physical alarm is vibration. Example 58: The device of anyof examples 1-57 that identifies the wearer based on (a) entering anidentification code, (b) fingerprint recognition, and/or (c) otherbiometric information. Example 59: The device of any of examples 1-58that activates one or more of the wearer's (a) home and/or developmentgate code, (b) automobile ignition, (c) garage door, (d) cellular phone,(e) computer, (f) entrance door, and/or (g) security alarm, when thedevice is within a predetermined proximity. Example 60: The device ofexample 59 wherein the predetermined proximity is between 6″ and 30′.

Example 61: The device of any of examples 1-60 that operates atelevision set or a television set control when in a predeterminedproximity to the set or control. Example 62: The device of any ofexamples 1-61 wherein the wearer can select or reject an activity, orotherwise send a communication from the device, by movements that movethe device. Example 63: The device of any of examples 59-62 wherein thewearer can activate another device, such as a gate, television,television control, automobile door, lock or ignition, cell phone,computer, security system, garage door, or entrance door, by movementsthat move the device. Example 64: The device of any of examples 1-63that contacts an emergency center and provides the wearer's location ifit senses an emergency. Example 65: The device of example 64 wherein theemergency can be one or more of (a) a sudden impact, (b) unstable orlack of heart beat, or (c) unstable or lack of blood pressure. Example66: The device of any of examples 1-65 that communicates withadvertising signals in a store to customize electronic advertising inthe store for the wearer. Example 67: The device of any of examples 1-66that is water resistant. Example 68: The device of any of examples 1-67that can withstand an impact force of 5 lbs or more, or 10 lbs or more,or between 20 lbs and 25 lbs, or between 25 lbs and 30 lbs. Example 69:The device of any of examples 1-68 that further includes a transmitterand a receiver. Example 70: The device of any of examples of 1-69 thatfurther includes: (a) connectivity to a database; (b) a wearer input;(c) a transmitter; and (d) a wearer application, wherein the wearerapplication stores information about one or more merchants and orderinformation associated with one or more merchants.

Example 71: The device of example 70 wherein the wearer can transmit anorder to a merchant from the device utilizing the information. Example72: The device of any of examples 1-71 that further comprises adatabase. Example 73: The device of any of examples 70-72 wherein thedatabase stores at least two of (a) one or more merchant names, (b) oneor more items previously purchased or ordered from the one or moremerchants, (c) the prices of the items previously ordered or purchased,(d) the location of the one or more merchants, and (e) offers by the oneor more merchants for the sale of items. Example 74: The device of anyof examples 70-73 that includes a wearer application wherein the wearerapplication determines the proximity of the device to one or moremerchants. Example 75: The device of example 74 that displays theproximity. Example 76: The device of any of examples 74 or 75 whereinthe one or more merchants are selected from merchants previously visitedby the wearer. Example 77: The device of any of examples 74-76 whereinthe one or more merchants are selected from one or more merchants thatparticipate in a program. Example 78: The device of any of examples 1-77wherein the device displays a merchant and most-frequent orderinformation corresponding to the merchant. Example 79: The device of anyof examples 1-78 wherein a wearer can place an order for an item orservice using the device. Example 80: The device of example 79 whereinthe item or service ordered is stored in the database.

Example 81: The device of any of examples 79-80 wherein the wearer isprompted to pay for the item or service. Example 82: The device of anyof examples 70-81 wherein one or more payment sources are stored in thedevice, or in the wearer application where they are accessible by thedevice. Example 83: The device of any of examples 70-81 wherein the oneor more payment sources are stored on a server separate from the deviceand wearer application. Example 84: The device of any of examples 70-81wherein the device initiates a payment to the merchant for an item orservice. Example 85: The device of any of examples 70-84 wherein thedevice is connected to a payment issuer. Example 86: The device ofexample 85 wherein the payment issuer issues a payment to the merchant.Example 87: The device of example 84 or 85 wherein the payment issuer isone of a payment network and a bank. Example 88: The device of any ofexamples 85-87 wherein the payment issuer issues a payment verificationto the device. Example 89: The device of example 88 wherein the paymentissuer issues a payment verification to the merchant. Example 90: Thedevice of example 89 wherein the merchant device or the payment issuertransmits a payment verification to the device.

Example 91: The device of any of examples 70-90 wherein the wearerapplication comprises a pay-it-forward function. Example 92: The deviceof any of examples 70-91 wherein the wearer application comprises apay-it-backward function. Example 93: The device of any of examples70-92 wherein the wearer application comprises a “get in queue”function. Example 94: The device of any of examples 70-93 wherein thewearer application is not resident on the device. Example 95: The deviceof any of examples 70-94 wherein the database is not resident on thewearer application or on the device. Example 96: The device of any ofexamples 70, 71 or 74 wherein the application or the device communicateswith a separate, second database. Example 97: The device of any ofexamples 70-96 wherein the wearer application or the device calculatesthe time it will take for an order to be ready, and the time isdisplayed on the device. Example 98: The device of any of examples 70-97wherein the merchant transmits a signal with the time the order will beready, and the time is displayed on the device. Example 99: The deviceof any of examples 70-98 wherein the device displays a merchant andmost-recent order information corresponding to the merchant. Example100: The device of example 79 wherein the database is updated by theitem ordered being stored in the database.

Example 101: The device of any of examples 70-81 wherein the merchanttransmits the price of the item, and the price is displayed on thedevice. Example 102: The device of example 88 wherein the paymentverification sent to the merchant does not include the wearer's cardnumber or bank account number. Example 103: The device of example 102wherein the payment verification sent to the merchant does not includethe wearer's card expiration date, billing address, or CVV number.Example 104: The device of any of examples 70-103 that further accessesone or more of (a) the time of day, day of the week, day of the year,month, and/or year, (b) health information related to the wearer, and(c) information related to the nutritional aspects of one or more fooditems. Example 105: The device of example 104 wherein the one or more of(a)-(c) is stored in the wearer application, which is either included inthe device or is separate from the device. Example 106: The device ofexample 104 wherein the one or more of (a)-(c) is stored in one or moreseparate databases accessible by the wearer application, or by thedevice. Example 107: The device of any of examples 104-106 wherein thehealth information of the individual includes one or more of thewearer's weight, age, measured blood sugar level, measured bloodpressure, heart condition, whether the wearer is diabetic, whether thewearer has high blood pressure, and whether the wearer is pregnant andthe stage (by days or weeks) of the pregnancy. Example 108: The deviceof any of examples 104-106 wherein the information related to a fooditem includes one or more of (a) its ingredients, (b) the amount byweight of each ingredient, (c) its calories, (d) carbohydrate content,(e) vitamin content, (f) fat content, and (g) sugar content. Example109: The device of any of examples 104-106 that compares the wearer'shealth information to the information related to one or more food items,and the device displays one or more suggested food items. Example 110:The device of any of examples 1-109 that adds new information andupdates a database as it is used.

Example 111: A device according to any of examples 1-110, the deviceconnectable to a server having a memory, and further having at least onewearer interface for receiving data from the device, the memoryconfigured to store data received by the device in a file for thatwearer. Example 112: The device of example 111 wherein the data furtherincludes one or more of: audio data, text, advertisements, prices,wearer contact information, at least one merchant and items or servicesrelated to each merchant. Example 113: The device of any of examples1-112 wherein data is received wirelessly by the device from a remotesource. Example 114: The device of example 113 wherein each data enteredby a wearer into the device, or entered automatically by the device,includes the date and time the data was entered. Example 115: The deviceof any of examples 111-114 wherein the data can be retrieved from theserver and displayed on the device. Example 116: The device of any ofexamples 111-115 wherein the server configures the data to be displayedin one of the following formats: (a) chronologically; (b) by entity thatentered the data; or (c) by the type of data. Example 117: The device ofany of examples 111-116 that further includes an API in communicationwith the server wherein the data input device is programmed to send acommunication to the API prior to transmitting data and the API isconfigured to receive the communication to determine a type of thedevice. Example 118: The device of example 117 that further includes anAPI in communication with the server wherein the data input device isprogrammed to send a communication to the API prior to transmitting dataand the API is configured to receive the communication to determine atype of the device. Example 119: A system including a server andmultiple devices. Example 120: The system of example 119 wherein atleast one of the multiple devices transmits data in a format differentthan the format used by the other of the devices.

Example 121: The system of example 119 or 120 wherein each device for aspecific wearer includes unique identification indicia specific to thatwearer. Example 122: The device or system of any of examples 1-118 thatfurther includes at least one receiving device remote from a server.Example 123: The device of any of examples 1-118 wherein informationtransmitted to the device includes one or more of: (a) an advertisement;(b) a price; and (c) contact information for a merchant, such as a phonenumber, SMS address, email address, and/or physical address.

Example 124: A system for facilitating use of a device, the systemcomprising: a network; the device having an application, the devicecoupled to the network; wherein the application allows a wearer totransmit information documenting proposed services or items to beprovided or purchased; wherein the application displays informationregarding the proposed services or items on the device; and wherein thewearer can use the application to contact a merchant or caregiver inresponse to the proposed services or items. Example 125: The system ofexample 124 further comprising a database coupled to the network,wherein the database comprises wearer information. Example 126: Thesystem of example 125 wherein the device further comprises a webservices server and the database forms part of the web services server.Example 127: The system of example 125 wherein wearer informationcomprises contact information, such as phone number, email address,and/or physical address. Example 128: The system of example 125 whereinwearer information comprises at least one charge account identificationnumber. Example 129: The system of any of examples 124-128 furthercomprising a streaming server coupled to the network. Example 130: Thesystem of example 129 wherein the streaming server comprises a streamingserver application.

Example 131: The system of example 129 wherein the streaming serverapplication determines a communication bandwidth of the network. Example132: The system of any of examples 129-131 wherein the streaming serverapplication determines an operating system of the device. Example 133:The system of any of examples 124-132 wherein the wearer applicationsends a notification to the server when the device displays informationregarding proposed services or items. Example 134: The system of any ofexamples 124-133 wherein the information comprises a history of relatedservices. Example 135: The system of any of examples 124-133 furthercomprising a step of sending to the device a cost of the services oritems. Example 136: Any of the devices or systems of examples 1-135 thatfurther includes a microphone and speaker as part of the device, or thatare connectable to the device. Example 137: Any of the devices orsystems of examples 1-136 that further includes an emergency signal onthe device that can be activated by the wearer to summon help. Example138: A device configured to communicate with one or more servers thatcontains data specific to the device wearer, the device being configuredto receive the data via email, SMS, or other wireless communicationsprotocol. Example 139: The device of example 138 that includes anoperating system and software on the operating system that configuresthe device to communicate with the one or more servers. Example 140: Thedevice of examples 138 or 139 wherein an alert is received when new datais displayed on the device.

Example 141: The device of any of examples 138-140 wherein, if the dataincludes a recommended purchase, the recommended purchase may beaccepted by activating an icon or rejected by activating a differenticon. Example 142: The device of any of examples 138-141 wherein inaddition to the recommended purchase, contact information regarding amerchant is provided. Example 143: The device of example 142 wherein thecontact information includes one or more of a phone number, an emailaddress, an SMS address, and a physical address. Example 144: The deviceof any of examples 138-143 that communicates with the one or moreservers or an API communicating with the one or more servers. Example145: The device of any of examples 138-144 that can locate merchantsbased on the device location and the merchant location. Example 146: Thedevice of any of examples 138-145 that can locate merchants based on theservices or items desired by the device wearer. Example 147: The deviceor system of any of examples 1-146 wherein the device further includes acamera. Example 148: The methods performed, respectively, by each ofexamples 1-147. Example 149: The device, system or method of any ofexamples 1-148 wherein the device communicates using one or more of aNFC signal, Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi signal or Zigbee protocol. Example150: The device, system or method of any of examples 1-149 that isconnectable to a separate power source.

Example 151: The device, system or method of any of examples 1-150 thatcommunicates directly with a wireless cellular network. Example 152: Thedevice, system or method of any of examples 1-151 that further includesa docking station, the docking station for receiving the device andtransmitting information from the device to an application, server,intermediary device, or database. Example 153: The device, system ormethod of example 152 wherein the transmitting is done wirelessly.Example 154: The device, system or method of any of examples 1-153 thatincludes a command server, the command server for sending one or morecommands to the device to activate a function of the device. Example155: The device, system or method of example 154 wherein the one or morecommands includes (a) identifying the current location, (b) taking ablood pressure reading, (c) measuring heart rate, (d) measuring bloodoxygen level, (d) measuring respiration rate, (e) measuringperspiration, (f) taking a photograph, (g) transmitting audio signals,and (h) activating an alarm. Example 156: The device that has a band forattaching to a body part or an article of clothing, but that does nothave flexible circuitry or a flexible display. Example 157: The device,system or method according to any of examples 7-155 that includes thedevice of example 156 rather than the device of examples 1-6. Example158: The device, system or method according to any of examples 1-157that stores in a database nutritional information concerning mealsavailable at one or more merchants, and the nutritional information isaccessible on the device. Example 159: A device, system or methodaccording to example 158 that includes for each meal one or more of (a)amount of sugar, (b) amount of calories, (c) type and amount ofvitamins, (d) type and amount of minerals, (e) amount of soluble fiber,(f) amount of fat, and (g) amount of sodium. Example 160: A device,system or method according to any of examples 1-159 that includes anidentification code that verifies the wearer is the owner of one or moresecondary devices, such as (a) credit card, (b) mobile phone, (c)computer, or (d) other device, and permits use of the secondary device.

Example 161: A device, system or method according to example 160 thatpermits use of the secondary device without entering a password. Example162: A device, system or method according to any of examples 1-159wherein the wearer can access a database including one or more creditcard accounts, select a credit card account, and make a charge to thecredit card account using the device. Example 163: A device, system ormethod according to example 162 wherein the charge is made from thedevice using NFC to a point of sale terminal. Example 164: A device,system or method according to example 162 or 163 wherein the credit cardaccount number is displayed on the device display. Example 165: Adevice, system or method according to example 162, 163 or 164 whereinthe CVV number of the credit card account number is displayed on thedevice display. Example 166: A device, system or method according to anyof examples 1-165 wherein the device includes a monitoring unitcomprising: at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller,wherein the controller is configured to receive a measured input fromthe at least one sensor; and a wireless communication device coupled tothe controller, wherein the wireless communication device is configuredto communicate with a central control system. Example 167: A device,system or method according to example 166 wherein the at least onesensor is one or more of a thermometer, a heart rate monitor, a bloodoxygen sensor, an electric resistance meter, a pressure transducer, andan air quality sensor. Example 168: A device, system or method accordingto any of examples of 166 or 167 wherein the wireless communicationdevice is configured to transmit data from the at least one sensor tothe central control system. Example 169: The device, system or methodaccording to any of examples 1-168 that has a wireless communicationdevice that is configured to transmit using at least one of a satellitecommunication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General Packet RadioService (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Personal CommunicationService (PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)network. Example 170: The system or method according to any of examples1-169 that includes a plurality of devices.

Example 171: The system or method according to example 170 wherein eachof the plurality of devices is configured to communicate with at leastone other device of the plurality of devices. Example 172: The device,system or method according to any of examples 166-171 wherein thewireless communication device transmits data to the central controlsystem at regular intervals. Example 173: The device, system or methodaccording to any of examples 166-172 wherein the wireless communicationdevice transmits data to the central control system in response to ameasured input exceeding a predetermined threshold. Example 174: Thedevice, system or method according to any of examples 166-173 whereinthe wireless communication device transmits data to the central controlsystem when the device detects a short-range transmission signalsufficient to transmit the data. Example 175: The device, system ormethod of any of examples 1-165 wherein the device transmits data to aserver (a) on regular intervals, (b) when requested by the centralcontrol system, (c) in the event of a predetermined value beingexceeded, (d) when a sufficiently strong wireless signal is determinedfor transmitting the data, and/or (e) when sent by the device wearer.

Example 176: A patient monitoring system comprising one or more deviceson a patient, at least one of the devices being flexible to wrap aroundpart of an arm, leg, head, neck or torso; and receiving, by a monitoringsensor included as part of the device, medical data from the patient;transmitting the medical data to a central control system; andoptionally comparing the transmitted medical data to a predeterminedlevel for the patient. Example 177: The patient monitoring system ofexample 176 wherein the patient data is transmitted to the centralcontrol system in real-time. Example 178: The patient monitoring systemof example 176 wherein the patient data is transmitted to the centralcontrol system in batch form. Example 179: The patient monitoring systemof any of examples 176-178 wherein the patient data includes one or moreof blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen level, skinelectric conductivity, perspiration rate, physical location, airquality, and respiration rate. Example 180: The patient monitoringsystem of any of examples 176-179 further comprising notifying, by themonitoring unit, the central control system in response to the patientdata exceeding a patient data threshold level.

Example 181: The patient monitoring system of example 179 that includesan electrical conductivity meter. Example 182: The patient monitoringsystem of any of examples 176-181 wherein the wireless communicationdevice is configured to transmit using at least one of a satellitecommunication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General Packet RadioService (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Personal CommunicationService (PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)network. Example 183: The device, system or method of any of examples1-182 wherein the device is at least partially powered by a piezo chip.Example 184: The device, system or method of any of examples 1-183wherein the power source is at least partially recharged by a piezochip. Example 185: A method according to any device or system of any ofexamples 1-184 wherein there is a plurality of devices, the methodcomprising the steps of: receiving data from at least one of theplurality of devices, wherein each of the plurality of devices is incommunication with a wearer, and wherein the data comprises medical orpersonal information about the wearer; transmitting the medicalinformation condition to a first server; and transmitting the personalinformation to a second server. Example 186: The method of example 185wherein the plurality of devices includes one or more of a thermometer,pressure transducer, accelerometer, electric conductivity meter,perspiration sensor, heart rate sensor, blood oxygen sensor, respirationrate sensor, and a GPS device. Example 187: The method of example 185 or186 wherein the data is provided to a monitoring unit by one or more ofthe plurality of devices. Example 188: The method of any of examples185-187 wherein the medical and/or personal information is transmittedin real time. Example 189: The method of any of examples 185-187 whereinthe medical and/or personal information is transmitted at predeterminedtimes, or when an electrical communications signal sufficient fortransmitting the information is detected. Example 190: The method of anyof examples 185-189 wherein each of the plurality of devices comprises:at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller, wherein thecontroller is configured to receive an input from the at least onesensor; and a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,wherein the wireless communication device is configured to communicatewith a central control system. Example 191: The method of example 190wherein the wireless communication device is configured to transmitusing at least one of a satellite communication network, a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephonenetwork, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless localarea network (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)network, a Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an AdvancedMobile Phone System (AMPS) network.

Example 192: A system comprising: (a) a device, the device comprising aband for being worn on the body of a wearer and further comprising: (i)a processor; (ii) a transceiver coupled to the processor; (iii) a sensorcoupled to the processor and configured to measure a characteristicassociated with the wearer; and (iv) a non-transitory memory coupled tothe processor and storing instructions executable by the processor for:(1) receiving data from the sensor; and (2) transmitting the receiveddata via the transceiver; and (b) a coordinator configured to receivethe transmitted data. Example 193: The system of example 192 wherein thetransceiver is configured to transmit data using one or more of: aZigbee protocol, a Wibree protocol, an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE802.15 protocol, an IEEE 802.16 protocol, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB)protocol, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol, a Bluetoothprotocol, and combinations thereof. Example 194: The system of example191 or 192 wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit datathrough a wired connection selected from the group consisting of anoptical fiber connection, a tip and sleeve (TS) connection, a tip, ring,and sleeve (TRS) connection, a tip, ring, ring, and sleeve (TRRS)connection, a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) connection, auniversal serial bus (USB) connection, an RS-232 serial connection, anEthernet connection, a FireWire connection, and combinations thereof.Example 195: The system of any of examples 192-194 further comprising agateway configured to receive the data transmitted from the coordinator,wherein the gateway transmits the data received from the coordinatorthrough a network. Example 196: The system of example 195 wherein thenetwork comprises one or more of a local area network (LAN), wide areanetwork (WAN), wireless mobile telephony network, General Packet RadioService (GPRS) network, wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, Personal CommunicationService (PCS) network, Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network, asatellite communication network, and combinations thereof. Example 197:The system of example 195 or 196 further comprising a server coupled tothe network, the server configured to receive the data from the gateway.Example 198: The system of example 197 wherein the server is configuredto analyze the data and determine a metric. Example 199: The system ofany of examples 192-198 wherein the device is configured to transmit thedata intermittently to the coordinator. Example 200: The system ofexample 199 wherein the coordinator is configured to transmit the dataintermittently to the gateway.

Example 201: The system of example 200 wherein the gateway transmitsdata intermittently via the network. Example 202: The system of any ofexamples 192-201 further comprising a plurality of devices. Example 203:The system of any of examples 192-202 further comprising a plurality ofgateways. Example 204: The system of any of examples 192-203 wherein atleast one device communicates with a first coordinator, and at least oneother device communicates with a second coordinator. Example 205: Thesystem of example 204 wherein the first coordinator is in communicationwith at least one gateway. Example 206: The system of example 205wherein the first coordinator is configured to relay communicationsbetween the at least one gateway and the second coordinator. Example207: The system of any of examples 192-206 wherein the data receivedfrom each device is analyzed by the processor. Example 208: The systemof any of examples 192-207 wherein each device has an outer casing andthe power source, processor and transmitter are inside the casing.Example 209: The system of any of examples 192-208 wherein each devicemonitors a separate medical condition of the wearer. Example 210: Thesystem of any of examples 192-208 wherein at least one device monitorsat least one medical condition of the wearer and at least one otherdevice is used to transmit and receive non-medical information relevantto the wearer.

Example 211: The system of any of examples 192-210 wherein there is oneor more devices that are collectively configured to measure acharacteristic selected from the group consisting of: temperature,pressure, vibration, an electrical resistance parameter, an atmosphericcondition, sound, a blood chemical, radiation, position, force,movement, and combinations thereof. Example 212: The system of any ofexamples 192-210 wherein each device transmits data to the coordinatorat regular intervals. Example 213: The system of any of examples 192-212wherein each device is configured to transmit data to the coordinator,and the data is analyzed to detect a condition associated with thewearer. Example 214: The system of any of examples 192-213 wherein thedevice further comprises a communication interface. Example 215: Thesystem of example 214 wherein the device is configured to receive datafrom a computer system. Example 216: The system of any of examples192-215 wherein the device is configured to perform a self-diagnostic todetermine if it is functioning properly. Example 217: The system of anyof examples 192-215 that further includes an intermediary device thatperforms a diagnostic on the device to determine if it is functioningproperly. Example 218: The system of any of examples 216 or 217 whereinthe device is configured to generate an alert in response to adetermination that it is not functioning properly. Example 219: Thesystem of any of examples 192-218 wherein one or more of each device,the coordinator, and the gateway is configured to receive and install asoftware update directly, or indirectly via an intermediary device, toat least one device.

Example 220: A method comprising: (a) measuring medical data of apatient via a device; (b) converting the medical data into electronicdata; (c) storing the electronic data in a database; (d) establishing acommunications link between a first transmitter and a first receiver;(e) establishing a communications link between a first transmitter andthe database; (f) transmitting all or part of the database to the firstreceiver; and (g) analyzing the transmitted part of the database tomonitor the medical condition of a wearer of the device. Example 221:The method of example 220 wherein the database is resident on thedevice. Example 222: The method of example 220 or 221 wherein themedical data is measured using one or more sensors. Example 223: Themethod of example 220 wherein the database is resident on a server.Example 224: The method of example 220 wherein the database is residentremote from the device. Example 225: The method of any of examples220-224 wherein the data is continuously measured. Example 226: Themethod of any of examples 220-225 wherein at least part of the databasecomprises medical data and is analyzed to establish a standard operatingparameter for the wearer. Example 227: The method of example 226 whereinmore than one type of medical data is measured and analyzed. Example228: The method of any of examples 226-227 wherein after the standardoperating parameter is established, each subsequent medical datameasured is compared to the standard operating parameter to determinethe wearer's medical condition. Example 229: The method of example 228wherein if an operating parameter is not met an alarm is transmitted toone or more of the devices and a medical provider. Example 230: Themethod of any of examples 225-229 wherein after the operating parameteris established, the medical data measured thereafter is compared to thestandard operating parameter on predetermined time intervals.

Example 231: The method of example 230 wherein when medical datameasured after the standard operating parameter has been established isoutside of a predetermined range, an alarm is transmitted that isdetectable by the wearer and/or a medical provider. Example 232: Themethod of any of examples 220-231 wherein the memory is constantlyaccessed by a controller. Example 233: The system or method of any ofexamples 192-232 comprising a plurality of devices attached to thewearer. Example 234: The system or method of example 233 wherein eachdevice monitors at least one medical condition of the wearer separatefrom any medical condition monitored by each of the other of theplurality of devices. Example 235: The system or method of any ofexamples 192-232 wherein each device receives a signal from a secondaryunit and transmits the signal. Example 236: The system of example 235wherein the secondary unit is a glucose meter or another device formeasuring blood chemistry. Example 237: The system or method of any ofexamples 192-232 wherein the device is on a wrist or the bicep, or theankle, or the thigh, or the torso, or the neck, or the head, of thewearer. Example 238: The system or method of any of examples 192-232wherein the device further includes a power source. Example 239: Thesystem of example 238 wherein the device further includes a system forrecharging the power source. Example 240: The system or method of any ofexamples 192-232 wherein at least one of the device(s) is not flexible.

Example 241: The system or method of any of examples 192-232 wherein adevice is configured to measure a characteristic selected from the groupconsisting of: temperature, pressure, blood flow, vibration, anelectrical resistance parameter, an atmospheric condition, sound, achemical, radiation, position, force, movement, and/or combinationsthereof. Example 242: The system or method of any of examples 192-232wherein the device transmits data when commanded by the wearer. Example243: The system or method of any of examples 192-232 that is configuredto: (a) analyze the data from the device to detect a conditionassociated with the wearer; and (b) transmit the data to the coordinatorwhen the condition is detected. Example 244: The system or method ofexample 243 wherein the detected condition is selected from the groupconsisting of: a possible heart attack, stroke, fainting, and/ordangerously low or high blood sugar levels. Example 245: The system ormethod of any of examples 192-232 wherein the device further comprises areceiver and a transmitter. Example 246: The system of example 245wherein the device is configured to receive data from a computer system.Example 247: The system or method of any of examples 192-232 wherein thedevice is configured to perform a diagnostic on itself to determinewhether it is functioning properly. Example 248: The system or method ofany of examples 192-232 wherein the processor is configured to perform adiagnostic on the device to determine whether the device is functioningproperly. Example 249: The system or method of any of examples 192-232wherein the device is configured to generate an alert in response to adetermination that the device is not functioning properly. Example 250:The system or method of any of examples 192-232 wherein one or more ofthe device, the coordinator, and the gateway is configured to wirelesslyreceive, directly or indirectly, and install a software update.

Example 251: A device for being worn by a wearer, the device being aband that wraps around either the arm, leg, foot, hand, torso, neck orhead of the wearer and having one or more of the structures or functionsof any of examples 1-250. Example 252: The device of example 251 thathas a width of between ½″ and 1″, or 1″ or more. Example 253: The deviceof example 251 or 252 that has a first side that faces outward when on auser and a second side that faces inward when on a user, a display beingon the first side and/or the second side. Example 254: The device of anyof examples 251-253 that has controls separate from the display and thecontrols are on the first side and/or the second side. Example 255: Thedevice of either examples 253 or 254 wherein the display includes atouch screen control. Example 256: The device of any of examples 251-255that includes an identifier that unlocks and makes useable one or moreof an automobile, a cell phone, a computer, a garage door, an entrydoor, a security system, or other electronically configured device.Example 257: The device of example 256 wherein the identifier is an RFIDcode. Example 258: The device of example 256 that transmits theidentifier either directly or intermittently to the electronicallyconfigured device. Example 259: The device of example 258 that uses NFCto communicate the identifier. Example 260: The device of any ofexamples 251-259 that includes a clock, an alarm, and a calendar.

Example 261: The device of any of examples 251-260 that includes morethan one display on the first side and/or more than one display on thesecond side. Example 262: The device of any of examples 251-261 that hasa first display related to a first function of the device and a seconddisplay related to a second function of the device. Example 263: Thedevice of example 262 wherein the first function is monitoring,retrieving, displaying, measuring and/or transmitting medicalinformation related to the wearer. Example 264: The device of example262 or 263 wherein the second function is assisting the wearer with thewearer's daily routine by monitoring, measuring, displaying, retrieving,and/or transmitting personal information related to the wearer. Example265: The device of any of examples 251-264 that can be controlled atleast in part by motions of the wearer. Example 266: The device of anyof examples 251-264 wherein the controls can change the display(s) todisplay different information and/or functions of the device. Example267: The device of any of examples 251-266 that is configured to controlone or more functions of a television set, stereo, one or more internallights, and/or one or more external lights. Example 268: The device ofany of examples 251-267 that is configured to control one or morefunctions of a car. Example 269: The device of any of examples 251-268that includes a cellular phone. Example 270: The device of any ofexamples 251-269 that includes a walkie talkie.

Example 271: The device of any of examples 251-270 that learns awearer's routine by hour and day based upon inputs by the wearer and/orone or more sensors in the device. Example 272: The device of any ofexamples 251-271 that recommends or alerts a wearer via the display(s)an activity based on the learned routine. Example 273: The device of anyof examples 251-272 that has a first control related to a first functionof the device and a second control related to a second function of thedevice. Example 274: The device of example 273 wherein the firstfunction is monitoring, measuring, retrieving, displaying, and/ortransmitting medical information related to the wearer. Example 275: Thedevice of example 273 or 274 wherein the second function is assistingwith the wearer's personal daily routine by monitoring, measuring,retrieving, displaying, and/or transmitting personal information relatedto the wearer.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set II. These examples in Example Set II may becombined with and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of theexamples in Example Set I, as appropriate.

Example 1: A device for being attached to a person, or a person'sclothing, the device comprising electronic circuitry, a transmitter,software, and one or more sensors to measure a physical condition of theperson. Example 2: The device of example 1 wherein the physicalcondition is one or more of: blood glucose level; perspiration level;heart rate; blood pressure; blood oxygen level; salinity; skintemperature; ambient air temperature; interstitial chloride levels; andthe amount of a selected substance in the ambient air. Example 3: Thedevice of example 1 wherein the device includes one or more ports intowhich a sensor may be connected. Example 4: The device of example 3 thatincludes a plurality of ports, wherein each port can be connected to asensor, and the device can receive and transmit information receivedfrom each sensor. Example 5: The device of example 1 wherein the devicecan receive and transmit information measured by the one or moresensors. Example 6: The device of example 1 that has data storagesoftware to store information received by the one or more sensors.Example 7: The device of example 4 that has data storage software tostore information received by the plurality of sensors. Example 8: Thedevice of any of examples 1-7 that includes a switch to manually changeit to one of a plurality of operating modes. Example 9: The device ofany of examples 1-8 that is attachable to one or more connectors,wherein each of the one or more connectors is used to connect the deviceto a particular body portion or a particular position on an article ofclothing. Example 10: The device of example 9 wherein the operating modeof the device changes depending upon the connector to which it isattached.

Example 11: The device of any of examples 1-9 wherein the deviceincludes a location sensor and the operating mode of the device changesbased on input form the location sensor. Example 12: The device of anyof examples 8, or 10-11 wherein the device measures at least onedifferent physical condition when in one operating mode, than itmeasures when in any other operating mode. Example 13: The device of anyof examples 8, or 10-12 wherein the device transmits at least onedifferent physical condition when in one operating mode, than ittransmits when in any other operating mode. Example 14: The device ofany of examples 8, or 10-13 wherein the device transmits at least onephysical condition data at different intervals, than it does when in anyother operating mode. Example 15: The device of any of examples 1-14wherein the software performs an analysis on the measured physicalcondition. Example 16: The device of any of examples 1-15 wherein thedevice remotely accesses different software to analyze differentmeasured physical conditions. Example 17: The device of any of examples1-16 wherein the software is not permanently resident on the device.Example 18: The device of example 16 wherein the software to analyzedifferent measured physical conditions is remote from the device.Example 19: The device of any of examples 1-18 that includes a receiverto receive a transmission from one or more second devices, wherein atleast one, or all, of the one or more second devices transmitsinformation about a physical condition of the user. Example 20: Thedevice of any of examples 1-19 that analyzes a plurality of measuredphysical conditions to determine a heath attribute of the device user.

Example 21: The device of example 20 that transmits the health attributeof the device user. Example 22: The device of any of examples 1-21 thatcan be attached to a band that fits around one of a user's: wrist, arm,thigh, calf, knee, ankle, head, torso, or neck. Example 23: The deviceof any of examples 1-22 that can be attached to a clip, pin, or otherstructure, that can then be attached to a user's clothing. Example 24:The device of any of examples 1-23 wherein the power source is abattery. Example 25: The device of example 24 wherein the battery isrechargeable. Example 26: The device of any of examples 1-25 thatincludes a thermometer to measure air temperature. Example 27: Thedevice of any of examples 1-26 that includes a clock. Example 28: Thedevice of any of examples 1-27 that includes a calendar. Example 29: Thedevice of any of examples 1-28 that includes a GPS locator. Example 30:The device of any of examples 1-29 that communicates with a computer.

Example 31: The device of any of examples 1-30 that suggests a firstactivity on a display based on the date and time. Example 32: The deviceof example 31 wherein the first activity can be selected or rejected bythe wearer through the use of a control. Example 33: The device ofexample 32 that suggests a different activity if the first activity isrejected. Example 34: The device of any of examples 31-33 wherein thewearer can select among multiple activities in which to participate.Example 35: The device of any of examples 1-34 that is connected to adatabase of past activities of the wearer, the database including theactivity, date and time of the activity, and optionally the duration ofthe activity. Example 36: The device of example 35 wherein the databasecan be updated or changed manually by the wearer. Example 37: The deviceof example 35 or 36 wherein the database is updated automatically basedupon activity by the wearer. Example 38: The device of any of examples1-37 that includes an alarm to remind the wearer of an activity. Example39: The device of example 38 wherein the alarm is one or more of anaudio alarm, a visual alarm, or physical alarm. Example 40: The deviceof example 38 wherein the physical alarm is vibrational.

Example 41: The device of any of examples 1-40 that contacts anemergency center and provides the user's location if it senses anemergency. Example 42: The device of example 41 wherein the emergencycan be one or more of (a) a sudden impact, (b) unstable or lack of heartbeat, (c) unstable or lack of blood pressure, or (d) a fall. Example 43:The device of any of examples 1-42 that further accesses one or more of(a) the time of day, day of the week, day of the year, month, and/oryear, (b) health information related to the user, and (c) informationrelated to the nutritional aspects of one or more food items. Example44: The device of example 43 wherein the one or more of (a)-(c) isstored in a memory, which is either included in the device or isseparate from the device. Example 45: The device of example 43 whereinthe one or more of (a)-(c) is stored in or more separate databasesaccessible by the device. Example 46: The device of any of examples43-45 wherein the health information of the individual includes one ormore of the wearer's weight, age, measured blood sugar level, measuredblood pressure, heart condition, whether the wearer is diabetic, whetherthe wearer has high blood pressure, and whether the wearer is pregnantand the stage (by days or weeks) of the pregnancy. Example 47: Thedevice of any of examples 43-46 wherein the information related to afood item includes one or more of (a) its ingredients, (b) the amount byweight of each ingredient, (c) its calories, (d) carbohydrate content,(e) vitamin content, (f) fat content, and (g) sugar content. Example 48:The device of any of examples 43-46 that compares the wearer's healthinformation to the information related to one or more food items, andthe device displays one or more suggested food items. Example 49: Thedevice of any of examples 1-48 that adds new information and updates adatabase as it is used. Example 50: A device according to any ofexamples 1-49, the device connectable to a server having a memory, andfurther having at least one user interface for receiving data from thedevice, the memory configured to store data received by the device in afile for that user.

Example 51: A system including a server and multiple devices accordingto any of examples 1-50. Example 52: The system of example 51 wherein atleast one of the multiple devices transmits data in a format differentthan the format used by at least one of the other of the devices.Example 53: The system of example 51 or 52 wherein each device for aspecific user includes unique identification indicia specific to thatuser. Example 54: The device or system of any of examples 1-53 thatfurther includes at least one receiving device remote from a server.Example 55: Any of the devices or systems of examples 1-54 that furtherincludes a microphone and speaker as port of the device, or that areconnectable to the device. Example 56: Any of the devices or systems ofexamples 1-55 that further includes an emergency signal on the devicethat can be activated by the user to summon help. Example 57: Any of thedevices of examples 1-50 that is configured to communicate with one ormore servers that contains data specific to the device user, the devicebeing configured to receive the data via email, SMS, or other wirelesscommunications protocol. Example 58: The device of example 57 thatincludes an operating system and software on the operating system thatconfigures the device to communicate with one or more servers, or one ormore other devices. Example 59: The device of example 57 or 58 whereinan alert is received when new data is displayed on the device. Example60: The device or system of any of examples 1-59 wherein the devicecommunicates using one or more of a NFC signal, blue tooth signal, Wi-Fisignal or Zigbee protocol.

Example 61: The device or system of any of examples 1-60 that isconnectable to a separate power source. Example 62: The device or systemof any of examples 1-61 that communicates directly with a wirelesscellular network. Example 63: The device or system of any of examples1-62 that further includes a docking station, the docking station forreceiving a device and transmitting information from the device to anapplication, server, intermediary device, or database. Example 64: Thedevice or system of any of example 63 wherein the transmitting is donewirelessly. Example 65: The device or system of any of examples 1-64that includes a command server, the command server for sending one ormore commands to the device to activate a function of the device.Example 66: The device or system of any of examples 1-65 wherein the atleast one sensor is one or more of a thermometer, a heart rate monitor,a blood oxygen sensor, an electric resistance meter, a pressuretransducer, and an air quality sensor. Example 67: The device or systemof any of examples 1-66 that has a wireless communication device that isconfigured to transmit using at least one of a satellite communicationnetwork, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), awireless mobile telephone network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) network, a Personal Communication Service(PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network.Example 68: The system of any of examples 50-54 or 57 wherein each ofthe plurality of devices is configured to communicate with at least oneother of the plurality of devices. Example 69: The device or system ofany of examples 1-68 wherein at least one device transmits data (a) atregular intervals, (b) when requested by a central control system, (c)in the event of a predetermined value being exceeded, (d) when asufficiently strong wireless signal is detected for transmitting thedata, and/or (e) when sent by the device user.

Example 70: A method according to any system of any of examples 50-54,or 57 wherein there is a plurality of devices, the method comprising thesteps of: receiving data from at least one of the plurality of devices,wherein each of the plurality of devices is in communication with awearer, and wherein the data comprises medical or personal informationabout the wearer; and transmitting the medical information condition toa first server, and transmitting the personal information to a secondserver. Example 71: The method of example 70 wherein the plurality ofdevices includes one or more of a thermometer, pressure transducer,accelerometer, electric conductivity meter, perspiration sensor, heartrate sensor, blood oxygen sensor, respiration rate sensor, and a GPSdevice. Example 72: The method of example 70 or 71 wherein the data isprovided to a monitoring unit by one or more of the plurality ofdevices. Example 73: The method of any of examples 70-72 wherein themedial and/or personal information is transmitted in real time. Example74: The method of any of examples 70-72 wherein the medical and/orpersonal information is transmitted at predetermined times, or when anelectrical communications signal sufficient for transmitting theinformation is detected. Example 75: The method of any of examples 70-74wherein at least one device is configured to transmit using at least oneof a satellite communication network, a local area network (LAN), a widearea network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network(WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, aPersonal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced MobilePhone System (AMPS) network. Example 76: The device of example 19 thattransmits the transmission received from the one or more second devices.Example 77: The device of example 76 that receives the transmission fromthe one or more second devices in a first communication format andtransmits it in a second communication format. Example 78: The device ofexample 77 that is configured to receive transmissions in a plurality ofcommunication formats. Example 79: The device of any of examples 1-19 or76-78 that is configured to send transmissions in a plurality ofdifferent communication formats. Example 80: The device of example 77wherein the second communication format is based upon a configuration ofa receiving device to which the transmission is sent.

Example 81: The device of any of examples 3-7 wherein at least one ofthe sensors is disposable. Example 82: The device of example 81 whereinall of the sensors are disposable. Example 83: The device of any ofexamples 3-7 wherein the operating mode of the device changes based uponwhich sensor or sensors are attached to a port or ports. Example 84: Thedevice, system, or method of any of examples 1-83 wherein the device canactivate an RFID tag and read information from the RFID tag. Example 85:The device, system, or method of any of examples 1-84 wherein the RFIDtag is located on or in a blood absorption strip. Example 86: Thedevice, system, or method of example 85 wherein the information read isblood glucose level.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set III. These examples in Example Set III may becombined with and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of theexamples in Example Set I and/or II, as appropriate.

Example 1: A software system for improving the functioning of a wearableelectronic device lacking a hardware memory management unit, thesoftware system comprising: (a) a FLM linker that converts an executableand linkable format (ELF) file into a flash loadable module (FLM) file;and (b) an FLM loader that loads the FLM file into a flash memory of thewearable electronic device. Example 2: The software system of example 1,wherein the FLM linker collects all relevant relocation entries from allsections in the ELF file and orders them by relocation address. Example3: The software system of example 2, wherein the FLM linker breaks acode segment of the ELF file into blocks based on a configurable blocksize. Example 4: The software system of example 3, wherein the FLMlinker groups each block of the code segment with all relevantrelocation entries pertaining to that block. Example 5: The softwaresystem of example 4, wherein the FLM linker creates an FLM filecomprising: (a) an FLM header; (b) a code segment header; (c) aplurality of code blocks, each of the plurality of code blocks groupedwith all relevant relocation entries for that code block; (d) a datasegment header; (e) a plurality of data blocks; and (f) relevantrelocation entries for each of the plurality of data blocks. Example 6:The software system of example 5, wherein the FLM loader loads the FLMfile into a plurality of contiguous pages of the flash memory of thewearable electronic device. Example 7: The software system of example 6,wherein the wearable electronic device comprises an intermediate RAMbuffer, and wherein the FLM loader loads the FLM file into the pluralityof contiguous pages of the flash memory of the wearable electronicdevice via the intermediate RAM buffer. Example 8: The software systemof example 6, wherein the wearable electronic device comprises a flashbuffer, and wherein the FLM file code block size and the flash buffersize are identical. Example 9: The software system of example 8, whereinthe FLM loader repeatedly: (a) loads a code block into the flash buffer;(b) reads the relevant relocation entries for the code block from theFLM file; (c) performs relocation as necessary on the code block in theflash buffer to form a relocated code block; and (d) writes therelocated code block to the flash memory of the wearable electronicdevice. Example 10: The software system of example 5, wherein thesoftware system improves the operating of the wearable electronic deviceby reducing the number of write operations on the flash memory of thewearable electronic device, thus prolonging the life of the flashmemory.

Example 11: The software system of example 5, wherein the softwaresystem improves the operating of the wearable electronic device byreducing the electrical power necessary for operation of the wearableelectronic device, thus prolonging battery life. Example 12: Thesoftware system of example 5, wherein the software system improves thefunctioning of the wearable electronic device by eliminating the needfor a hardware memory management unit, thus allowing the wearableelectronic device to be made smaller and lighter. Example 13: Thesoftware system of example 1, whereby, via operation of the softwaresystem, the wearable electronic device is provided with a plurality offunctions associated with a plurality of ELF files. Example 14: Thesoftware system of example 1, wherein the software system utilizes afirst ELF file to implement a first function for the wearable electronicdevice, wherein the software system utilizes a second ELF file toimplement a second function for the wearable electronic device, andwherein the first function and the second function are different.Example 15: The software system of example 14, whereby the firstfunction is associated with operation of the wearable electronic deviceas at least one of: a blood glucose meter; a pacemaker; a blood pressuremonitor; an insulin pump; a pulse oximeter; a hotter monitor; anelectrocardiograph; an electroencephalograph; a blood alcohol monitor;an alcohol breathalyzer; an alcohol ignition interlock; a respirationmonitor; an accelerometer; a skin galvanometer; a thermometer; a patientgeolocation device; a scale; an intravenous flow regulator; a patientheight measuring device; a biochip assay device; a monitor forbiological agents; a hazardous chemical agent monitor; an ionizingradiation sensor; a sphygmomanometer; a loop recorder; a spirometer; anevent monitor; a prothrombin time (PT) meter; an internationalnormalized ratio (INR) meter; a tremor sensor; or a defibrillator.Example 16: The software system of example 14, wherein the softwaresystem is configured to receive, via communications hardware of thewearable electronic device, the second ELF file to replace the first ELFfile. Example 17: The software system of example 1, wherein the softwaresystem provides, via operation of the FLM linker and the FLM loader, theability to load binary modules freely at any location in the flashmemory, regardless of the initial target address in the ELF file.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set IV. These examples in Example Set IV may becombined with and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of theexamples in Example Set I, II, and/or III, as appropriate.

Example 1: A flash loadable module (FLM) file for use in connection withflash memory of electronic computing devices lacking a memory managementunit, the FLM file comprising: (a) an FLM header; (b) a code segmentheader; (c) a plurality of code blocks, each of the plurality of codeblocks grouped with all relevant relocation entries for that code block;(d) a data segment header; (e) a plurality of data blocks; and (f)relevant relocation entries for each of the plurality of data blocks.Example 2: The FLM file of example 1, wherein the FLM file is created byan FLM linker from an executable and linkable format (ELF) file. Example3: The FLM file of example 2, wherein the FLM header containsinformation regarding the original memory target location of the ELFfile. Example 4: The FLM file of example 2, wherein the code segmentheader includes information regarding the segment type, location, size,and number of following code blocks. Example 5: The FLM file of example4, wherein the size of a code block is a fixed size, and the size of allrelevant relocation entries for that code block is a variable size.Example 6: The FLM file of example 5, wherein the fixed size is the sizeof a flash buffer for the flash memory. Example 7: The FLM file ofexample 4, wherein the combined size of a code block and the relevantrelocation entries for that code block does not exceed a threshold size.Example 8: The FLM file of example 7, wherein the threshold size is thesize of a random access memory (RAM) buffer of the electronic computingdevice. Example 9: The FLM file of example 2, wherein the data segmentheader includes information regarding the segment type, location, size,and number of following data blocks. Example 10: The FLM file of example1, wherein the FLM file improves the operating of the electroniccomputing device by reducing the number of write operations on the flashmemory of the electronic computing device, thus prolonging the life ofthe flash memory.

Example 11: The FLM file of example 1, wherein the FLM file improves theoperating of the electronic computing device by reducing the electricalpower necessary for operation of the electronic computing device, thusprolonging battery life. Example 12: The FLM file of example 1, whereinthe FLM file improves the functioning of the electronic computing deviceby eliminating the need for a hardware memory management unit, thusallowing the electronic computing device to be made smaller and lighter.Example 13: The FLM file of example 1, wherein the FLM file is createdfrom a first ELF file to implement a first function for the electroniccomputing device, wherein the FLM file is created from a second ELF fileto implement a second function for the electronic computing device, andwherein the first function and the second function are different.Example 14: The FLM file of example 1, wherein, when the FLM file isloaded into the flash memory of the electronic computing device, the FLMfile allows the electronic computing device to function as at least oneof: a blood glucose meter; a pacemaker; a blood pressure monitor; aninsulin pump; a pulse oximeter; a hotter monitor; an electrocardiograph;an electroencephalograph; a blood alcohol monitor; an alcoholbreathalyzer; an alcohol ignition interlock; a respiration monitor; anaccelerometer; a skin galvanometer; a thermometer; a patient geolocationdevice; a scale; an intravenous flow regulator; a patient heightmeasuring device; a biochip assay device; a monitor for biologicalagents; a hazardous chemical agent monitor; an ionizing radiationsensor; a sphygmomanometer; a loop recorder; a spirometer; an eventmonitor; a prothrombin time (PT) meter; an international normalizedratio (INR) meter; a tremor sensor; or a defibrillator. Example 15: TheFLM file of example 1, wherein the FLM file is suitable for use by afirst electronic computing device and a second electronic computingdevice, and wherein the first electronic computing device and the secondelectronic computing device utilize different hardware configurations.Example 16: The FLM file of example 2, wherein the FLM file provides theability to load binary modules freely at any location in the flashmemory, regardless of the initial target address in the ELF file.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set V. These examples in Example Set V may be combinedwith and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of the examplesin Example Sets I-IV, as appropriate.

Example 1: A device for being attached to a user or the user's clothing,the device comprising: (a) a band having a length, a width, and athickness, the band including electronic circuitry, a first powersource, and a display; and (b) the band, electronic circuitry, anddisplay being flexible so as to be functional when manipulated into acircle having a diameter of 4″ or more, 5″ or more, 6″ or more, 7″ ormore, 8″ or more, 9″ or more, or 10″ or more. Example 2: The device ofexample 1 wherein the band has a thickness of ¼″ or less. Example 3: Thedevice of example 1 wherein the band has a width of 2″ or less, or 1½″or less, or 1″ or less or ¾″ or less. Example 4: The device of example 1wherein the first power source is a battery. Example 5: The device ofexample 4 wherein the battery is rechargeable. Example 6: The device ofexample 1 that further includes a second power source. Example 7: Thedevice of example 6 wherein the second power source is a primary batteryor a secondary battery. Example 8: The device of claim 1 wherein thecircuitry has a length that is 50% or less of the length of the band, or80% or less the length of the band. Example 9: The device of example 1wherein the circuitry has a thickness of 25% or less of the thickness ofthe band, or 25%-50% of the thickness of the band, or 75% of thethickness of the band. Example 10: The device of example 1 wherein thecircuitry has a width of 90% or less of the width of the band, orbetween 50% and 80% of the width of the band, or between 80% and 100% ofthe width of the band.

Example 11: The device of example 1 wherein the display has a lengththat is 50% or less of the length of the band, or 80% or less of thelength of the band. Example 12: The device of example 1 wherein thedisplay has a thickness that is 25% or less of the thickness of theband, or 25%-50% of the thickness of the band, or 80% or less of thethickness of the band. Example 13: The device of example 1 wherein thedisplay has a width of 90% or less of the width of the band, or between50% and 80% of the width of the band, or between 90%-100% of the widthof the band. Example 14: The device of example 1 that is configured tomeasure one or more of the group consisting of a user's: heart rate,blood oxygen, perspiration, electrical resistance on the skin, bloodpressure, and skin temperature. Example 15: The device of example 1 thatfurther includes one or more of the group consisting of: a clock, acalendar, and a GPS locator. Example 16: The device of example 1 thatfurther includes a touch screen, the touch screen displaying commands toassist in controlling the device. Example 17: The device of example 1that is configured to show a first activity on the display based on thedate and time. Example 18: The device of example 17 that is configuredto show a different activity if the first activity is rejected. Example19: The device of example 1 that is configured to permit a user toselect among multiple activities in which to participate. Example 20:The device of example 1 that is configured to communicate with adatabase of past activities of the user, the database including theactivity, and date and time the user participated in the activity.

Example 21: The device of example 20 wherein the database can be updatedor changed manually by the user. Example 22: The device of example 20wherein the database is updated automatically based upon activity by theuser. Example 23: The device of example 1 that in configured to activateone or more of a user's apparatuses when the device is within apredetermined proximity of the apparatus, the apparatus consisting ofthe group selected from: (a) home gate code, (b) a development gatecode, (c) automobile ignition, (d) a garage door, (e) a cellular phone,(f) a computer, (g) an entrance door, (h) a television set, (i) atelevision set control, and (j) a security alarm. Example 24: The deviceof example 1 that can withstand an impact force of 5 lbs or more, or 10lbs or more, or between 20 lbs and 25 lbs, or between 20 lbs and 30 lbs.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set VI. These examples in Example Set VI may becombined with and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of theexamples in Example Sets I-V, as appropriate.

Example 1: A device for being attached to a user or the user's clothing,the device having a length, a width, and a thickness, the devicecomprising: (a) electronic circuitry, a first power source, and adisplay; (b) a thickness of ¼″ or less; and (c) the device beingconfigured to communicate with and receive data from one or more medicaldevices. Example 2: The device of example 1 that has a width of 2″ orless, or 1½″ or less, or 1″ or less or ¼″ or less. Example 3: The deviceof example 1 wherein the first power source is a battery. Example 4: Thedevice of example 1 wherein the circuitry has a length that is 50% orless of the length of the device, or 80% or less of the length of thedevice. Example 5: The device of example 1 wherein the circuitry has athickness of 25% or less of the thickness of the device, or 25%-50% ofthe thickness of the thickness of the device, or 75% or less of thethickness of the device. Example 6: The device of example 1 wherein thecircuitry has a width of 90% or less of the width of the device, orbetween 50% and 80% of the width of the device, or between 80% and 100%the width of the device. Example 7: The device of example 1 wherein thedisplay has a length that is 50% or less of the length of the device, or80% or less of the length of the device. Example 8: The device ofexample 1 that is configured to monitor one or more physical conditionsof the user. Example 9: The device of example 1 that is configured toanalyze a plurality of the one or more physical conditions of the userto determine a health attribute of the user. Example 10: The device ofexample 1 that includes one or more ports, wherein each of the one ormore ports can be connected to a sensor, and the device is configured toreceive information from at least one sensor.

Example 11: The device of example 10 that has a plurality of ports.Example 12: The device of example 11 that has a plurality of sensors,wherein each of the plurality of sensors is connected to a port. Example13: The device of example 10 that has a plurality of operating modes,and the operating mode of the device changes depending upon one or moreof the sensors attached to the device. Example 14: The device of example12 that has a plurality of operating modes, and the operating mode ofthe device changes upon one or more of the sensors attached to thedevice. Example 15: The device of example 1 wherein data is received bythe device from the medical device through a connection that is selectedfrom the group consisting of an optical fiber connection, a tip andsleeve (TS) connection, a tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS) connection, a tip,ring, ring, and sleeve (TRRS) connection, a serial peripheral interfacebus (SPI) connection, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, an RS-232serial connection, an Ethernet connection, a FireWire connection, andcombinations thereof. Example 16: The device of example 1 wherein datais received by the device from the medical device wirelessly using atleast one of a satellite communication network, a local area network(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, aGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network,a Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced MobilePhone System (AMPS) network. Example 17: The device of example 1 whereinthe medical device comprises one or more of: a blood glucose meter; apacemaker; a blood pressure monitor; an insulin pump; a pulse oximeter;a hotter monitor; an electrocardiograph; an electroencephalograph; ablood alcohol monitor; an alcohol breathalyzer; an alcohol ignitioninterlock; a respiration monitor; an accelerometer; a skin galvanometer;a thermometer; a patient geolocation device; a scale; an intravenousflow regulator; a patient height measuring device; a biochip assaydevice; a monitor for biological agents; a hazardous chemical agentmonitor; an ionizing radiation sensor; a sphygmomanometer; a looprecorder; a spirometer; an event monitor; a prothrombin time (PT) meter;an international normalized ratio (INR) meter; a tremor sensor; adefibrillator. Example 18: The device of example 1 that is configured totransmit at least some of the data received from the medical device.Example 19: The device of example 18 wherein the data received andtransmitted includes one of a battery charge level, a temperature, abarometric pressure, a code relating to an accessory for the medicaldevice, a data validity measurement, an elapsed time since a previousreading by the medical device, a test result parameter, asignal-to-noise parameter, a quality of service (QoS) parameter; and auser's: heart rate, blood oxygen level, perspiration, electricalresistance on the skin, movement, blood pressure, fall or sudden impact,calories used, calories consumed, body temperature; and ambient airtemperature, time, day, and location. Example 20: The device of example1 that is configured to communicate with a plurality of medical devices.

Example 21: The device of example 1 that is configured to communicatesimultaneously with a plurality of medical devices. Example 22: Thedevice of example 1 wherein its functionality changes depending upon themedical device with which the device communicates. Example 23: Thedevice of example 1 that is configured to also communicate with anintermediary device, or a central server. Example 24: The device ofexample 1 that is configured to receive data from an apparatus implantedin a user of the device. Example 25: The device of example 18 that isconfigured to transmit or receive a user's health information. Example26: The device of example 25 that is configured to analyze the user'shealth information to identify a condition for the user. Example 27: Thedevice of example 26 that is configured to alert the user or a healthcare professional when the user condition satisfies a predeterminedthreshold condition. Example 28: The device of example 1 that isconfigured to analyze one or more medications taken by the patient anddetermines whether the patient is in compliance with a prescribedmedical treatment. Example 29: The device of example 28 that isconfigured to determine whether a medication of one or more medicationstaken by a patient may interact with one or more of: a second medicationof the one or more medications taken by the patient; a newly prescribedmedication; an over-the-counter medication; an herbal supplement; avitamin; and a food or a beverage. Example 30: The device of example 1wherein the electronic circuitry and display are flexible so as to befunctional when manipulated into a circle having a diameter of 4″ ormore, 5″ or more, 6″ or more, 7″ or more, 8″ or more, 9″ or more, or 10″or more.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set VII. These examples in Example Set VII may becombined with and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of theexamples in Example Sets I-VI, as appropriate.

Example 1: A device for being attached to a user or the user's clothing,the device having a length, a width, and a thickness, the devicecomprising: electronic circuitry, a first power source, and a display;wherein the device, electronic circuitry, and display are flexible so asto be functional when manipulated into a circle having a diameter of 4″or more, 5″ or more, 6″ or more, 7″ or more, 8″ or more, 9″ or more, or10″ or more. Example 2: The device of example 1 that has a thickness of¼″ or less. Example 3: The device of example 1 that has a width of 2″ orless, or 1½″ or less, or 1″ or less or ¼″ or less. Example 4: The deviceof example 1 wherein the power source is a battery. Example 5: Thedevice of example 1 wherein the circuitry has a length that is 50% orless of the length of the device, or 80% or less than the length of thedevice. Example 6: The device of example 1 wherein the circuitry has athickness of 25% or less of the thickness of the device, or 25%-50% ofthe thickness of the device, or 75% or less of the thickness of thedevice. Example 7: The device of example 1 wherein the circuitry has awidth of 90% or less of the width of the device, or between 50% and 80%of the width of the device, or between 80% and 100% of the width of thedevice. Example 8: The device of example 1 wherein the display has alength that is 50% or less of the length of the device, or 80% or lessof the length of the device. Example 9: The device of example 1 thatcommunicates using one or more of: a cell phone, computer, wifi, orother short-range communication protocol. Example 10: The device ofexample 1 that communicates wirelessly and is configured to transmitusing at least one of a satellite communication network, a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephonenetwork, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless localarea network (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)network, a Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an AdvancedMobile Phone System (AMPS) network.

Example 11: The device of example 1 that is configured to transmit datawhen a short-range transmission signal sufficient to transmit the datais detected. Example 12: The device of example 1 that is configured totransmit or receive data (a) on regular intervals, (b) when requested bya central control system, (c) in the event of a predetermined valuebeing exceeded, (d) when a sufficiently strong wireless signal isdetermined for transmitting the data, and/or (e) when sent by the deviceuser. Example 13: The device of example 1 that is configured to receivedata (a) on regular intervals, (b) when requested by a central controlsystem, (c) in the event of a predetermined value being exceeded, (d)when a sufficiently strong wireless signal is determined for receivingthe data, and/or (e) when sent by the device user. Example 14: Thedevice of example 1 that is configured to transmit data using: a Zigbeeprotocol, a Wibree protocol, an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE 802.15protocol, an IEEE 802.16 protocol, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) protocol, anInfrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, andcombinations thereof. Example 15: The device of example 1 that isconfigured to transmit data through a wired connection selected from thegroup consisting of: an optical fiber connection, a tip and sleeve (TS)connection, a tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS) connection, a tip, ring, ring,and sleeve (TRRS) connection, a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI)connection, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, an RS-232 serialconnection, an Ethernet connection, a FireWire connection, andcombinations thereof. Example 16: The device of example 12 in which thetransmitted data is encrypted. Example 17: The device of example 13 inwhich the received data is encrypted. Example 18: The device of example12 wherein the data is encrypted using at least one encryption keycomprising: a private encryption key associated with the patient; aprivate encryption key of a health care provider associated with thepatient; a public encryption key associated with at least one of: anintended recipient, a medical data server; or combinations thereof.Example 19: The device of example 1 that is configured to transmit orreceive data in a frequency range comprising at least one of the medicalimplant communications service (MICS) frequency band, the frequencyrange of 402 MHz to 405 MHz, the Wireless Medical Telemetry Service(WMTS) frequency band, the frequency range of 608 MHz to 614 MHz, thefrequency range of 1395 MHz to 1400 MHz, the frequency range of 1427 MHzto 1432 MHz, the frequency range 32 KHz to 175 KHz, and combinationsthereof. Example 20: The device of example 1 that is configured totransmit or receive data using a wireless connection, a wiredconnection, or both. Example 21: The device of example 1 that isconfigured to be authenticated before communicating with a network.

Yet further exemplary embodiments of the invention are reflected in thefollowing Example Set VIII. These examples in Example Set VIII may becombined with and/or utilized in connection with any and/or all of theexamples in Example Sets I-VII, as appropriate.

Example 21: A device for being attached to a user or the user'sclothing, the device having a length, a width, and a thickness, thedevice comprising: electronic circuitry, a first power source, and adisplay; and being configured to receive data and transmit the data to amedical device after reformatting the data into a format compatible forthe medical device. Example 2: The device of example 1 that has athickness of ¼″ or less. Example 3: The device of example 1 that has awidth of 2″ or less, or 1½″ or less, or 1″ or less or ¼″ or less.Example 4: The device of example 1 wherein the power source is abattery. Example 5: The device of example 1 wherein the circuitry has alength that is 50% or less of the length of the device, or 80% or lessof the length of the device. Example 6: The device of example 1 whereinthe circuitry has a thickness of 25% or less of the thickness of thedevice, or 25%-50% of the thickness of the device, or 75% or less thanthe thickness of the device. Example 7: The device of example 1 whereinthe circuitry has a width of 90% or less of the width of the device, orbetween 50% and 80% of the width of the device, or between 80% and 100%of the width of the device. Example 8: The device of example 1 whereinthe display has a length that is 50% or less of the length of thedevice, or 80% or less of the length of the device. Example 9: Thedevice of example 1 that is configured to receive data in one or moretransmission protocols and/or frequencies and transmit the data in oneor more different transmission protocols and/or frequencies. Example 10:The device of example 1 that is configured to receive data from aplurality of medical devices.

Example 11: The device of example 9 that is configured to receive datafrom a plurality of medical devices. Example 12: The device of example 9that is configured to simultaneously receive data from a plurality ofmedical devices. Example 13: The device of example 1 that is configuredto receive data from a plurality of medical devices, wherein at leastone of the plurality of medical devices transmits data using a differenttransmission protocol or frequency than the protocol or frequency usedby each of the other of the plurality of medical devices. Example 14:The device of example 10 wherein the medical device comprises at leastone of a blood glucose meter; a pacemaker; a blood pressure monitor; aninsulin pump; a pulse oximeter; a hotter monitor; an electrocardiograph;an electroencephalograph; a blood alcohol monitor; an alcoholbreathalyzer; an alcohol ignition interlock; a respiration monitor; anaccelerometer; a skin galvanometer; a thermometer; a patient geolocationdevice; a scale; an intravenous flow regulator; a patient heightmeasuring device; a biochip assay device; a monitor for biologicalagents; a hazardous chemical agent monitor; an ionizing radiationsensor; a sphygmomanometer; a loop recorder; a spirometer; an eventmonitor; a prothrombin time (PT) meter; an international normalizedratio (INR) meter; a tremor sensor; and a defibrillator. Example 15: Thedevice of example 1 wherein the data transmitted includes at least oneof a battery charge level, a temperature, a barometric pressure, a coderelating to an accessory for the medical device, a data validitymeasurement, an elapsed time since a previous reading by the medicaldevice, a test result parameter, a signal-to-noise parameter, and aquality of service (QoS) parameter; and a user's: heart rate, bloodoxygen level, perspiration, electrical resistance on the skin, movement,blood pressure, fall or sudden impact, calories used, calories consumed,body temperature; and ambient air temperature, time, day, and location.Example 16: The device of example 1 wherein the data transmitted by thedevice is encrypted. Example 17: The device of example 15 wherein datais encrypted utilizing a key comprising at least one of a privateencryption key associated with the user; a private encryption key of ahealth care provider or merchant; an encryption key associated with amedical data server; and combinations thereof. Example 18: The device ofexample 1 that is configured to contact an emergency center and providea user's location if the device senses an emergency. Example 19: Thedevice of example 17 wherein the emergency is one or more of (a) asudden impact, (b) unstable or lack of heart beat, (c) unstable or lackof blood pressure, (d) undesirable physical location, (e) improperglucose reading, (f) medication overdose or incompatibility, and (g)transmission by a user of an emergency. Example 20: The device ofexample 1 that is configured to communicate with an intermediary devicethat performs a diagnostic on the device to determine if the device isfunctioning properly.

Example 21: The device of example 1 that is configured to perform adiagnostic on itself to determine whether it is functioning properly.Example 22: The device of example 20 that is configured to generate analert in response to a determination that it is not functioningproperly. Example 23: The device of example 1 wherein one or more of thedevice, an intermediary device, a coordinator, and a gateway isconfigured to receive and install a software update directly, orindirectly, on the device. Example 24: The device of example 22 whereinthe software update is installed automatically. Example 25: The deviceof example 22 wherein the software update is installed upon acceptanceby the user. Example 26: The device of example 22 wherein the softwareupdate is installed automatically based upon the user's location.Example 27: The device of example 20 wherein the software update isinstalled automatically based upon the current function of the device.Example 28: The device of example 1 wherein the electronic circuitry anddisplay are flexible so as to be functional when manipulated into acircle having a diameter of 4″ or more, 5″ or more, 6″ or more, 7″ ormore, 8″ or more, 9″ or more, or 10″ or more.

Functional blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, andprogram instruction means for performing the specified functions. Itwill also be understood that each functional block of the block diagramsand flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks inthe block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented byeither special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform thespecified functions or steps, or suitable combinations of specialpurpose hardware and computer instructions. Further, illustrations ofthe process flows and the descriptions thereof may make reference touser windows, webpages, websites, web forms, prompts, etc. Practitionerswill appreciate that the illustrated steps described herein may compriseany number of configurations including the use of windows, webpages, webforms, popup windows, prompts and the like. It should be furtherappreciated that the multiple steps as illustrated and described may becombined into single webpages and/or windows but have been expanded forthe sake of simplicity. In other cases, steps illustrated and describedas single process steps may be separated into multiple webpages and/orwindows but have been combined for simplicity.

The term “non-transitory” is to be understood to remove only propagatingtransitory signals per se from the claim scope and does not relinquishrights to all standard computer-readable media that are not onlypropagating transitory signals per se. Stated another way, the meaningof the term “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and“non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” should be construed toexclude only those types of transitory computer-readable media whichwere found in In Re Nuijten to fall outside the scope of patentablesubject matter under 35 U.S.C. 101.

Systems, methods and computer program products are provided. In thedetailed description herein, references to “various embodiments,” “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicatethat the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, itwill be apparent how to implement the disclosure in alternativeembodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure isaccordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, inwhich reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one,” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to ‘at least one of A, B, and C’or ‘at least one of A, B, or C’ is used in the claims or specification,it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone maybe present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, Calone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of theelements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example,A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. The disclosure includes asystem and method, and it is contemplated that it may be embodied ascomputer program instructions on a tangible computer-readable carrier,such as a magnetic or optical memory or a magnetic or optical disk. Allstructural, and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described exemplary embodiments that are known to those ofordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by referenceand are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, itis not necessary for a device or method to address each and everyproblem sought to be solved by the present disclosure for it to beencompassed by the present claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device attached to a user or the user'sclothing, the device having a length, a width, and a thickness, thedevice comprising: electronic circuitry comprising a microprocessor forexecuting instructions; and a flash memory; a first power source; adisplay; and an FLM loader operable on the microprocessor, wherein theFLM loader loads an FLM file into the flash memory, and wherein the FLMfile is formed from an input file by taking relevant relocation entriesfrom all sections in the input file and ordering the relocation entriesby relocation address; wherein the device receives data and transmitsthe data to a medical device after reformatting the data into a formatcompatible for the medical device.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein theFLM file comprises: (a) an FLM header; (b) a code segment header; (c) aplurality of code blocks, each of the plurality of code blocks groupedwith all relevant relocation entries for that code block; (d) a datasegment header; (e) a plurality of data blocks; and (f) relevantrelocation entries for each of the plurality of data blocks.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the FLM loader loads the FLM file into aplurality of contiguous pages of the flash memory.
 4. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the circuitry has a thickness of 25% or less of thethickness of the device, or 25%-50% of the thickness of the device, or75% or less than the thickness of the device.
 5. The device of claim 1wherein the circuitry does not include a hardware memory managementunit.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the display has a length that is50% or less of the length of the device, or 80% or less of the length ofthe device.
 7. The device of claim 1 that receives data in one or moretransmission protocols and/or frequencies and transmits the data in oneor more different transmission protocols and/or frequencies.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1 that is configured to receive data from a plurality ofmedical devices.
 9. The device of claim 7 that is configured to receivedata from a plurality of medical devices.
 10. The device of claim 7 thatis configured to simultaneously receive data from a plurality of medicaldevices.
 11. The device of claim 1 that is configured to receive datafrom a plurality of medical devices, wherein at least one of theplurality of medical devices transmits data using a differenttransmission protocol or frequency than the protocol or frequency usedby each of the other of the plurality of medical devices.
 12. The deviceof claim 8 wherein the medical device: a blood glucose meter; a bloodpressure monitor; an insulin pump; a pulse oximeter; a hotter monitor;an electrocardiograph; an electroencephalograph; a blood alcoholmonitor; an alcohol breathalyzer; an alcohol ignition interlock; arespiration monitor; an accelerometer; a skin galvanometer; athermometer; a patient geolocation device; a scale; an intravenous flowregulator; a patient height measuring device; a biochip assay device; amonitor for biological agents; a hazardous chemical agent monitor; anionizing radiation sensor; a sphygmomanometer; a loop recorder; aspirometer; an event monitor; a prothrombin time (PT) meter; aninternational normalized ratio (INR) meter; a tremor sensor; or adefibrillator.
 13. The device of claim 1 wherein the data transmittedincludes: (a) at least one of a battery charge level, a temperature, abarometric pressure, a code relating to an accessory for the medicaldevice, a data validity measurement, an elapsed time since a previousreading by the medical device, a test result parameter, asignal-to-noise parameter, and a quality of service (QoS) parameter; (b)a user's: heart rate, blood oxygen level, perspiration, electricalresistance on the skin, movement, blood pressure, fall or sudden impact,calories used, calories consumed, or body temperature; and (c) ambientair temperature, time, day, and location.
 14. The device of claim 1wherein the data transmitted by the device is encrypted.
 15. The deviceof claim 14 wherein data is encrypted utilizing a private encryption keyassociated with the user.
 16. The device of claim 1 that is configuredto contact an emergency center and provide a user's location if thedevice senses an emergency.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein theemergency is one or more of (a) a sudden impact, (b) undesirablephysical location, and (c) transmission by a user of an emergency. 18.The device of claim 1 that is configured to communicate with anintermediary device that performs a diagnostic test on the device todetermine if the device is functioning properly.
 19. The device of claim1 that is configured to perform a diagnostic test on itself to determinewhether it is functioning properly.
 20. The device of claim 19 that isconfigured to generate an alert in response to a determination that itis not functioning properly.
 21. The device of claim 1 wherein one ormore of the device, an intermediary device, a coordinator, and a gatewayis configured to receive and install a software update directly, orindirectly, on the device.
 22. The device of claim 21 wherein thesoftware update is installed automatically.
 23. The device of claim 21wherein the software update is installed upon acceptance by the user.24. The device of claim 21 wherein the software update is installedautomatically based upon the user's location.
 25. The device of claim 21wherein the software update is installed automatically based upon thecurrent function of the device.
 26. The device of claim 1 wherein theelectronic circuitry and display are flexible so as to be functionalwhen manipulated into a circle having a diameter of 4″ or more, 5″ ormore, 6″ or more, 7″ or more, 8″ or more, 9″ or more, or 10″ or more.